BRUNSWICK, GA - Coastal Georgia (5-6, 1-2) overcame a sluggish first half to defeat Columbia College 71-64 on Tuesday night in non-conference action behind a dominant second-half shooting performance.
The Mariners trailed 38-32 at halftime but exploded for 39 second-half points, shooting an impressive 53.3% from three-point range after the break to erase the deficit and pull away down the stretch. After managing just 3-of-10 from beyond the arc in the first half, Coastal Georgia found their rhythm when it mattered most, connecting on 8-of-15 three-pointers in the final 20 minutes to fuel the comeback.
Isaiah Edden led the comeback charge with 11 of his game-high 14 points after intermission, connecting on all three of his second-half three-point attempts. The guard's timely shooting proved crucial during several pivotal moments, particularly late in the game when Columbia threatened to make it close. Edden finished 4-of-8 from beyond the arc and distributed five assists while playing solid defense throughout his 32 minutes on the floor. His ability to hit big shots in pressure situations gave the Mariners the confidence they needed to maintain control down the stretch.
Alexandre Zambonetti provided crucial spark off the bench with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 from deep. The reserve forward's 27 minutes helped ignite the offense during critical stretches of the comeback, and his energy on both ends of the floor seemed to lift his teammates. Zambonetti was efficient in the paint and showed confidence from distance, making him a difficult matchup for Columbia's defense to handle.
Jeremiah Camara controlled the paint with 12 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds. His physical presence inside allowed the Mariners to maintain pressure on Columbia's defense throughout the game. Thaddeus Burns chipped in 11 points, connecting on three triples that helped space the floor and open up driving lanes for his teammates. Aamir Mack added eight points despite battling foul trouble that limited his minutes and effectiveness in stretches.
The Mariners' bench contributed 24 points, nearly matching Columbia's reserves in a game where depth proved crucial. Kycean Pruett added six points off the bench, while Derrick "Mannie" Harris provided solid minutes in the second half. The ability to rotate fresh legs proved important as the game wore on and Columbia began to tire.
Coastal Georgia's defensive adjustments in the second half proved to be the difference in the game. The Mariners held Columbia to just 34.4% shooting and a dismal 0-for-10 performance from three-point range after the break, a remarkable turnaround from the first half when the visitors shot 50% from the field. The defensive intensity picked up significantly, with the Mariners contesting shots more effectively and closing out on shooters with urgency. Columbia's leading scorer, Jamison McKenzie, was held to just four second-half points after scoring 11 in the first half.
The Mariners also took better care of the basketball in the second half, committing fewer turnovers while forcing nine from Columbia in the final period. Ball security became a priority, and the team's patience on offense allowed them to find better shots and maintain their rhythm. The ability to protect the ball and create second-chance opportunities proved decisive, as Coastal Georgia converted eight offensive rebounds into critical baskets throughout the contest.
Columbia came out strong in the first half, building their largest lead of 12 points early in the period. The visitors shot efficiently and limited Coastal Georgia's transition opportunities. However, the Mariners steadily chipped away at the deficit and never allowed the game to get out of reach, staying within striking distance heading into halftime.
The second-half performance demonstrated the Mariners' ability to adjust and execute when facing adversity. The coaching staff made effective adjustments during the break, and the players responded with increased energy and focus. The transformation from the first half to the second was stark, with Coastal Georgia looking like a completely different team after intermission.
The Mariners now look to extend this win streak as they prepare to hit the road for another tough stretch of games to close out 2025!
