February 1, 2017

Giants suffer a heart-breaking loss at home

Columbia

11-9 (6-3)

Sequoias

11-12 (5-4)

Final

Columbia 11-9 (6-3)

Sequoias 11-12 (5-4)

VISALIA - A 16-point lead was not enough for COS, as Columbia rallied back to defeat the Giants, 60-58.

COS (11-12, 5-4 CVC) jumped out to a 13-0 lead to begin the game, with the help of Isaiah Johnson and Connor Tuttle's 3's.

When the halftime buzzer sounded, Sequoias was up 35-25. Johnson had 12 points and Tuttle had 11.

The duo was on fire, but they needed reinforcements if they wanted to close the game out.

Zac Nuttall, Kentrey Bynum, and Austin Armstead were a combined 6-of-22 shooting and had 14 points.

The three man COS bench did not score a single point the entire game, which allowed Columbia to take advantage of tired legs.

The Claim Jumpers scored 13 second chance points and had their bench contribute 14 points.

Columbia (11-9, 6-3 CVC) guard Lewayne Grant tied the game up at 58-58 with 1:41 remaining.

Bobby Kazar shot would get blocked on the ensuing COS possession allowing Columbia to take the lead.

Eugene Harvey's shot for the Claim Jumper's would go in with 15 seconds left, going up 60-58.

With a game-high 20 points, Johnson would have one last chance to tie or win the game. The freshman guard's shot would be blocked and the clock would hit double zero's two seconds later.

The Giants will look to get back on track on the road this Saturday. COS will face Merced, who they beat earlier this season. Tip off from the North Valley will be at 5 p.m.