Men's Basketball Win Against Columbia

ATHENS, Tenn.- The men's basketball team picked up a conference win on Saturday. The team defeated the Columbia College Koalas 94-81 to tally an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) win.

The Bulldogs wasted no time taking control, with Ty Hurst hitting an early jump shot to put Tennessee Wesleyan on the board. Peyton West followed with a steal, setting up Armando Cuardado for a quick basket to extend the lead. Wesleyan's defense was active from the start, forcing multiple turnovers and converting them into transition points.

Despite a few scoring runs from Columbia (SC), Wesleyan maintained a steady offensive pace. Jay Reed controlled the paint, grabbing key rebounds and finishing at the rim. The Bulldogs took a 47-37 lead into halftime, setting themselves up for a strong second half.

Wesleyan continued to execute well after the break, with Cuardado and Amauri Young dominating the interior. Hurst remained a key factor, knocking down timely shots to maintain the double-digit advantage. Columbia (SC) attempted to close the gap with perimeter shooting, but Wesleyan's defensive pressure limited their efficiency.

The Bulldogs' offensive balance proved too much for Columbia to handle. Peyton West and Stratton Lovvorn provided valuable contributions down the stretch, keeping the tempo in Wesleyan's favor. Free throws in the closing minutes sealed the 94-81 victory, ensuring the Bulldogs remained a force in conference play.