COLUMBIA, S.C. – The College of Coastal Georgia men's basketball team put together a strong first-half effort but couldn't overcome a late surge from Columbia International University, falling 87–77 on Saturday afternoon.

The loss drops the Mariners to 2–4 on the season while the Rams improved to 3–2.

The two teams were evenly matched through the first 20 minutes, heading into halftime deadlocked at 35–35. Coastal Georgia shot 42 percent from the field overall but struggled from beyond the arc, going 6-for-22 (27.3%). CIU, meanwhile, pulled away in the second half behind timely three-point shooting and a 92 percent mark from the free throw line.

Thaddeus Burns and Isaiah Edden led the Mariners' balanced scoring attack, each finishing with 15 points. Burns added four rebounds and two steals, while Edden went 5-for-8 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. Kycean Pruett chipped in 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, hitting three three-pointers, and Mannie Harris added 10 points, two assists, and two steals. Jeremiah Camara also made a strong impact inside, posting 10 points and seven rebounds in just 18 minutes.

Coastal Georgia battled throughout, exchanging leads with the Rams seven times in a game that remained close until the final minutes. The Mariners trailed by just six with under five minutes remaining before CIU sealed the win with key free throws and defensive stops.

CIU's Johnny Whysong and JJ Vaughan each scored 20 points, while Rhett Warga and Will Kelly added 12 apiece. The Rams went 23-for-25 from the free throw line and outrebounded the Mariners 37–37 in a physical battle on both ends.

Despite the loss, the Mariners showed encouraging offensive rhythm and improved ball movement, recording 24 assists on 29 made field goals. Coastal Georgia will look to rebound as they return to action next week!