COLUMBIA, JACKSON ADVANCE TO MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

Columbia State and Jackson State took different paths to get there, but both squads survived and advance to play for the NJCAA Region VII/TCCAA Cahmpionship.  Columbia State defeated Motlow State in the first contest by a 105-75 margin while Jackson held on late to defeat Southwest Tennessee 76-73. 

In Columbia State's victory, the Chargers "charged" out of the gates to take a 53-32 lead by the end of the first half.  They maintained that advantage in the second half to reserve their spot in the championship game.  Columbia had four scorers reach double figures led by Jamari Bostic with 18 points.  He was followed by Jayden Lockett and Darron howard who each had 15 points.  Jonathon Bolden finished with 13 points.  Locket also led the team with nine rebounds and four assists.  Motlow was led by Derrick Rayford with 28 points.  Jace Wallace and Darryl Thompson finished in double figures with 13 and 12 points.  Thompson led the squad with six rebounds while Rayford led with four assists.

In Jackson's win, the held a 70-59 lead with just over a minute left to play.  Southwest made it a game by outscoring the Generals 14-6 in the last minute of play.  Kavion Hancock led Jackson with 27 points.  He was joined in double figures by Radarious Washington with 22 points and Antwan Beans with 12.  Washington led the team with 11 rebounds and Beans led with four assists.  Ethan Jones also contributed with eight boards.  Southwest had four reach double figures led by Clythius Griffith with 19 followed by Christian Jones with 14, Jessie White with 13, andAnthony whitmore with ten points.  Whitmore led with five rebounds, but four other players had four.  Justin Batts had four assists while Griffith had three.