Point Lookout, MO - College of the Ozarks could not overcome Columbia International’s efficiency on both ends of the floor, falling 88-70 on Thursday evening at Keeter Gymnasium.

Columbia International established control early with a 44-35 advantage at halftime, then repeated that 44-35 margin after the break to finish off the 18-point win. The Rams used a balanced attack and steady shooting, going 33-for-68 (48.5%) from the field and 17-for-21 (81.0%) at the free-throw line, while also owning a 43-33 edge on the glass. College of the Ozarks struggled to match that efficiency despite stretches of strong play, finishing 27-for-65 (41.5%) overall and 11-for-23 (47.8%) at the line.

The Bobcats traded baskets early, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Garrett Snyder that pulled College of the Ozarks within 7-5 at the 15:01 mark of the first half. Columbia International responded with timely scoring at the rim, including a layup from Jeffrey Clark II that pushed the Rams ahead 9-5. Despite the visitors’ push, the Bobcats remained within striking distance late in the half, as Tyler Moore knocked down two free throws in the final minute to trim the deficit to 44-35 heading into the break.

College of the Ozarks opened the second half with energy when Themba Tshuma hit a jumper just seven seconds into the period to cut the margin to seven. The Bobcats continued to chip away, and a 3-pointer from DJ Quarles with 15:11 to play brought the score to 50-44, the closest it had been since the opening minutes. However, Columbia International answered with another surge and gradually rebuilt a double-digit cushion behind its interior scoring and rebounding.

A key turning point came in the closing minutes when Columbia International’s transition attack and athleticism at the rim helped seal the outcome. A dunk by Johnny Whysong, assisted by Rhett Warga, pushed the lead to 78-64 with 3:53 remaining, effectively putting the game out of reach. Clark added another dunk in the final minute, and Warga’s free throw at the horn closed the scoring at 88-70.

Snyder led the Bobcats with 14 points and seven rebounds, knocking down 6 of 16 shots from the field and one 3-pointer. Quarles provided an offensive spark with 11 points, including 2-for-4 from beyond the arc and two assists. College of the Ozarks generated second chances with 13 offensive rebounds but managed just seven assists on 27 made field goals and could not fully capitalize on its extra opportunities.

Columbia International’s frontcourt was pivotal, as Warga posted 18 points and nine rebounds, including seven on the offensive end, while shooting 6-for-8 from the floor and 6-for-8 at the line. Will Kelly matched him with 18 points on 8-for-16 shooting and 2-for-6 from deep, and Clark contributed a well-rounded line with 12 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Columbia International also limited its mistakes, committing only nine turnovers to the Bobcats’ 11.

The result leaves College of the Ozarks with positives to build on, particularly in its ability to create second-chance opportunities and fight back to within six early in the second half. The Bobcats will play Nelson American Indian College on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. for the 3rd place game.