Motlow sophomore Kolbe Gray hit a 3-point shot with 38 seconds to play to pull the Bucks within two but visiting Columbia State hit its free throws at the end and escaped Copperweld Arena on Saturday with a 73-64 TCCAA conference men's basketball victory.
The Bucks (4-12, 1-6) led the final 10 minutes of the first half and went into intermission with a 31-18 advantage. The lead was nine, 36-27, three minutes into the second half. The Chargers then went on a 27-10 run to lead 54-46 with 6:31 left to play.
Gray stole the ball and converted the turnover into a layup, cutting the visitors' lead to three with 4:47 remaining. His 3-pointer inched Motlow closer at 66-64, but it was the last points Motlow would score.
Motlow will travel to TCCAA rival Cleveland State on Wednesday, Jan. 18, with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. central. The Bucks will be back at home this Saturday when Southwest Tennessee visits for a 4 p.m. tip. Admission is free.
Gray finished with 13 points and was solid with six steals, five rebounds, and two assists. Mi'Quan Tucker scored 15 points with four rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots. Lawrence Montgomery also added two blocks while scoring eight points. Isaiah Curry added eight points with two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Columbia State blistered the Nisbett Center nets, shooting 62% from the field. They only attempted eight 3-pointers and hit two. Motlow shot 33% from 3-point range, but only 33% overall from the field. The Bucks turned the ball over 22 times as compared to 17 for the Chargers.
Follow Motlow men's basketball at MotlowSports.com and @motlowsports.
Motlow State Community College competes on the Division I level in baseball, softball, women's soccer, men's basketball, and women's basketball. The Bucks are a member of the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA) and compete in Region 7 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
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Motlow State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Barbara Scales bscales@mscc.edu, 5002 Motlow College Blvd. Smyrna, TN 37167, 615-220-7976.
C. Scott Shasteen
Sports Information
931-247-5566
sshasteen@mscc.edu