COLUMBIA, S.C. – Voorhees showed toughness and resilience on the road Saturday afternoon, storming back from a 16-point first-half deficit before falling just short in a 69–67 loss to Columbia International University (CIU) inside Moore Fitness Center.

After struggling offensively in the opening 20 minutes and trailing 36–22 at halftime, Voorhees responded with a 45-point second half fueled by perimeter shooting and defensive pressure. The Tigers clawed back to tie the game multiple times down the stretch, but a late shot attempt in the final seconds bounced off the rim as CIU escaped with the narrow win.

Second-Half Surge

Voorhees flipped the momentum early in the second half with a 13–2 run sparked by defensive energy and transition play. CIU committed 17 turnovers in the final 20 minutes, allowing Voorhees to convert 25 points off turnovers overall. The Tigers also found their rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting 6 threes in the second half after making just two in the first.

Trailing 58–49 with 6:43 to play, Voorhees cut the deficit to one possession behind a corner three from Daethan Harris and a fast-break layup from Omari Bryson. Xavier Finney found Harris again on a drive-and-kick look to tie the game at 62–62 with just over two minutes remaining.

But CIU answered at the free throw line, converting 12 attempts in the second half and making enough plays in the lane to hold off the Tigers' comeback bid.

Offensive Leaders

Sophomore guard Omari Bryson led Voorhees with a game-high 21 points, shooting 7-of-13 from the field and 5-of-11 from three. Harris provided 9 points and 3 assists, while freshman forward Denton Britton brought energy off the bench with 6 points and 3 rebounds. Xavier Finney directed the offense with a team-high 5 assists and added 3 rebounds.

Voorhees shot 42.1% from the floor and 32% from three, improving dramatically after halftime while also winning the hustle category with 25 points off turnovers.

Inside the Numbers

Despite the surge, rebounding proved decisive. CIU finished with a 38–20 advantage on the glass, including 11 offensive rebounds leading to second-chance scoring opportunities ?turn0file0?. CIU also outscored Voorhees 32–22 in the paint.

Voorhees Interim Head Coach Derrick Mitchell, in his return to the program where he previously led the Tigers to two conference championships, emphasized the fight his team showed in the second half despite the loss.

Key Performers – Voorhees

Team Stats

Voorhees returns to action next week as Coach Mitchell and the Tigers continue building momentum early in the season. Full schedule updates will be available on the athletics website.

About Voorhees University:  Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org)