Claim Jumpers defeat Merced

By BEE STAFF REPORTS

last updated: January 24, 2008 10:57:02 AM

Injuries have plagued the Columbia and Merced College men's basketball teams this season.

It was the Claim Jumpers who found a way to overcome on Wednesday, beating Merced 64-60 at Oak Pavilion. It was Columbia's first Central Valley Conference victory, snapping a six-game skid.

Rajwayne Palmer led Columbia (5-17, 1-3 CVC) with 17 of his 24 points in the first half. He made three 3-pointers and 7 of 8 free throws.

Jess Donnerberg grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds and Brandon Brockmire had 14 points for the Claim Jumpers.

Dominic Jones paced the Blue Devils (6-14, 1-3 CVC) with 20 points, followed by Justin Sparks with 15. Merced stayed within eight through the second half after trailing 31-28 at halftime.

JC Women

MERCED 72, PORTERVILLE 56, at Porterville -- The Blue Devils (16-10, 3-0 CVC) won their fourth consecutive game. Five players scored in double figures, led by Rachel Martinez with 14 points.

College Men

No. 1 MEMPHIS 56, TULSA 41, at Tulsa, Okla. -- Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 20 points and Derrick Rose had 19 points for top-ranked Memphis (18-0, 5-0 Conference USA).

No. 2 KANSAS 83, IOWA ST. 59, at Lawrence, Kan. -- Darnell Jackson had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Jayhawks (19-0, 4-0 Big 12).

No. 25 BAYLOR 116, NO. 18 TEXAS A&M 110 (5OT), at College Station, Texas -- Baylor (16-2, 4-0 Big 12) waited 39 years to get back into the Top 25. Then the Bears had to endure five overtimes to get their first win as a ranked team. Curtis Jerrells scored a career-high 36 points, including 11 in the fifth overtime to lead Baylor over the Aggies (15-4, 1-3).

College Women

No. 6 BAYLOR 73, MISSOURI 57, at Columbia, Mo. -- Baylor's Kim Mulkey (200-54) is the sixth-fastest Division I women's coach to reach 200 wins.

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