Dayton, OH – Saturday afternoon the Tartan Pride hosted the 5th rated NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball team – Columbus State. This marks the third match up against a top 5 team this year with the other two contests coming against #1 ranked Mott CC out of Flint, Michigan.

Sinclair is at the beginning of a home stand that will see the Pride play 5 of their last 6 regular season games at the Downtown Dayton Campus.

Columbus State took early control from the defensive end forcing the Pride into several bad shots that allowed the Cougars to get out and score easy transition baskets. Even though the Pride only had 3 turnovers at half, the defensive pressure had the Pride shooting 27% from the field and 11% from the 3 point arc.

After half, both teams came out hot and started to get a little more confidence on the offensive end until Columbus went on a 12-4 run to open up a 56-36 (20 point margin) mid way through the second half. The Pride was able to climb back into the game with some timely three's and key free throws. Pulling to within 6 with about 5 minutes left and even as close as 8 with 2:30, the Pride could not get that one key defensive stop to make one final push on Columbus State. The Cougars Glenn Cosey finished off the game making 4/4 from the charity strip to keep Sinclair's run at bay.

Given the final shooting percentages of 34.6% from the field and 23.8% from the 3 point line, hard work kept the Pride within striking distance of the #5 rated team in the nation down the stretch. One of the most consistent facets for the Pride this year, knocking down free throws. Today was no different, as Sinclair went 17/22 for 77.3%. Coming into tonight's game, the Pride was ranked 4th in the nation for Free Throw percentage shooting 71.46%.

Leading the way for Sinclair was a Freshman duo from Cincinnati Roger Bacon H.S. Gavin Schumann (6-1/Cincinnati Roger Bacon H.S.) and Jabriel Coaston (6-05/Cincinnati Roger Bacon H.S.) both posted 22 points/6 rebounds and 18 points/7 rebounds respectively. Charlie Byers (5-11/Cincinnati Moeller H.S.) chipped in with 15 points and Sophomore Jonathan Bibbs (6-4/Dayton Chaminade Julienne H.S.) also scored in double figures with 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Tonight's game was sponsored by our friends at Choices

CHOICES is based in Kettering but serving children and families throughout Southwest Ohio. For over 25 years CHOICES has been providing services to at-risk youth through Foster Care, Home-Based Services, Independent Living, and Mentoring programs. CHOICES mission is to inspire hope, build confidence and strengthen foundations for our youth and families through supportive services. There are many opportunities to get involved and change the life of a youth today! Please visit our website at www.choicesfostercare.com for more information.

Sinclair will continue the home stand Wednesday as the Cincinnati State Surge comes to town for a 7:30pm tip. All home games are played in Building 8 on the Downtown Dayton campus.