COLUMBIA, S.C.—The Montreat men's basketball team faced the Columbia College Koalas in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup Wednesday evening in Columbia, S.C. In fact, the Cavs played the Koalas in their last contest after the game against Union Commonwealth University was postponed due to inclement weather. In that match, Montreat came away with an 11-point win. This time, the Cavs (12-5, 6-3 AAC) came away with an 18-point victory by a score of 69-51.
 
In the first half, neither Columbia (9-9, 2-8 AAC) nor Montreat held a lead larger than three points until just under four minutes remaining in the period. The competitive stretch was full of dunks and quick play from both teams. AJ Baskerville led the way with nine points in the half as he helped his team enter the break leading by five in a 30-25 game.
 
The second half started in Montreat's favor, and it never turned over. With less than four minutes gone in the period, the Cavs jumped out to a 10-point lead (40-30) thanks to another Baskerville layup. The Koalas crawled back numerous times to cut the deficit to just four points but could never regain the lead. Montreat then went on a 13-3 run over a span of five-and-a-half minutes. During the stretch, all of Columbia's points came from the stripe. The run took the life out of the Koalas, and the Cavaliers took advantage to conclude the game 69-51.

"To win a game in the 60s by double digits is really encouraging this time of year," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "Every night isn't going to be an 80- or 90-point output, and our guys understand that. We are starting to figure some things out, and I'm looking forward to see where we take this thing."
 
The Cavs shared the points in the game as four players recorded double digits. Baskerville's 16 points and 12 rebounds led both categories for the Cavs, while Jarden Maze and RJ Manginello each followed suit with 13 points. Jack Keller did not make a 3-pointer in the contest, but he did go a perfect 8-for-8 from the line to tally 12 points on the night.
 
Montreat outrebounded Columbia by nine boards (47-38) and had five fewer turnovers (20-15). The Koalas shot just 28.3 percent from the field (15-53 FG) and 8.3 percent from downtown (2-24 3-pt FG). Although the Cavs were not as efficient altogether, they managed to put 23 foul shots through the basket. Montreat scored 10 more points in the paint (32-22) and 12 more points off turnovers (19-7) than the Koalas.

"I am really impressed with our defensive intensity right now," Barringer added. "To hold a team under 30.0 percent from the field and under 10.0 percent from deep is extremely impressive, especially in league play."
 
On deck, the Cavs will host the Reinhardt University Eagles in another AAC matchup this Saturday, Jan. 18. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, N.C.