ASHEVILLE, N.C.— Montreat's men's basketball team played game number two of the 2025 version of its campaign on Tuesday. The Cavaliers faced the Columbia College Koalas. The Cavs outlasted Columbia by a score of 84-73.
 
In the first half, the Cavaliers (11-5, 5-3 Appalachian Athletic Conference) had control of the game. Columbia (9-7, 2-6 AAC) only had one lead in the half, and that was a 9-8 advantage with just under seven minutes gone. A Jarden Maze triple and a layup from Dyllan Barnwell helped extend the Montreat lead to 10 points with less than four minutes in the frame.
 
The half was capped off by RJ Manginello, who after hitting a tough jumper with six seconds on the clock, picked off the inbound pass and proceeded to knock down a 3-pointer as time expired. Manginello's five points to close the half kept the Cavaliers up by 11 going into the break (37-26). At the intermission, Jack Keller led the way with 11 points, and Barnwell racked up eight boards.
 
After a slow first half, both teams put on a show and tallied 47 points in the second half. Montreat never led by more than it did at the break. The second period was one of ups and downs. Columbia fought back to make it interesting. The contest was at its closest with six-and-a-half minutes remaining when the Koalas cut the lead to just two points (68-66); however, a 6-0 Cav run sparked by Barnwell and AJ Baskerville eventually sealed the deal for the hosts.
 
Individually, five Cavs finished with double-digit points. Those five were the starting five of Baskerville, Maze, Manginello, Keller and Barnwell. Two Montreat players finished with double-doubles. Baskerville's 19 points and 14 rebounds, as well as Barnwell's 10 points and 10 rebounds, were crucial in the win. The other Cavs with double-digit points were Maze (19), Manginello (15) and Keller (12). Manginello had the most assists in the contest with four, the most steals with three and the most 3-pointers made with three.
 
As a team, Montreat shot 42.9 percent going 27-of-63 from the field and an even 30.0 percent (9-30 3-pt FG) from downtown. The Cavs topped the Koalas in many key statistics in the match. Montreat had more rebounds (50-37), points in the paint (32-26) and second chance points (16-8).
 
"When you have your first five all finish in double figures, and two guys have double doubles, there isn't too much to say," said head coach Anthony Barringer. "We wanted to win the boards today though, especially after getting dominated against Truett, and we did that. We have to finish games better, and we will, but I was pleased with our play for 34 minutes tonight. We will enjoy a much-needed day off and get ready for Union on Saturday."
 
On deck, the Cavs will travel to Barbourville, Ky. as they will face the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs this Saturday. The AAC matchup is slated for 4:00 PM.