ST. AUGUSTINE –
Malik Bryant scored a game-high 24 points, but it wasn't enough as Flagler College fell short 87-82 to Columbus State University in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball game Wednesday night at Flagler Gymnasium.
Columbus State improved to 8-5 overall and 1-2 in the Peach Belt. Flagler is now 6-8 overall and 0-3 in conference play.
The game was close throughout as neither team held a lead larger than eight points. There were six ties and 14 lead changes.
A Nelson Haskin layup with 1:37 left to go in regulation started a 6-0 spurt that gave the Cougars enough separation for the win.
Spencer Bain scored five points in a row, including a layup with six seconds left to make it a one possession game (85-82), but Demierre Black sank two free throws with four seconds left to close out the game.
Daniel Melvin led four Columbus State players in double-figures with 18 points. Grant Howard added 14 points and six rebounds while Joshua Jerome recorded a double-double with 11 points and he grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds. Jehloni James had 10 points in a reserve role.
Jaylen Lemons and Bain each scored 16 points for the Saints. Kyle Young provided 13 points and seven rebounds.
Flagler is back in action on Saturday at USC Aiken for a 3:30 p.m. tip.
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