SMC Loses on Last-Second Shot to Columbia College

COLUMBIA, S.C. –Host Columbia College took advantage of a last-second possession after a SMC turnover as Kamya Hatten made a layup with less than a second left to spoil the upset bid for the Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball team, who dropped an 87-85 decision to the host Koalas on Tuesday night.

Spartanburg Methodist College (2-7),sought to avenge a 73-59 loss on October 30. Destiny Middleton led all scorers with a career-high 29 points to lead the Pioneers. Najah Gilliam and JaiDah Liebert added 21 and 16 points, respectively.

Columbia (12-1), who are coached by former SMC assistant NaJarius Green, were able to land five in double figures in the win. Keyshuna Fair and Tysonia Lowe each had 11, Layla Walla, Callie Hermanson and Hatten each had 10 in the win.

The Pioneers' LaTavius Wilson hit a 3-pointer with four seconds left on the shot clock to put SMC ahead 85-84 in the second overtime. The Koalas tied the game on the ensuing possession when Tamyra Davis made one of two free throws with :41 left. Each team had a possession to take over the lead, but it was not until the last-second heroics was the game decided.

Next, Spartanburg Methodist College will wrap up its home portion of its schedule for the calendar year with a matchup against Thomas on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Bridges Arena.