Walters State Senators edge Columbia State in close game

14th-ranked Senators hold on for 61-57 victory in tense final seconds

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

The 14th-ranked Walters State Senators men's basketball team narrowly defeated the Columbia State Chargers 61-57 on Saturday. With the Senators clinging to a two-point lead in the final seconds, sophomore guard Taquez Butler stepped up and hit two crucial free throws to seal the victory for Walters State.

Why it matters

This was an important conference matchup between two top teams in the region. The win keeps the Senators in the hunt for a high seed in the upcoming conference tournament, while the loss is a setback for the Chargers as they look to improve their postseason positioning.

The details

In a tight game that featured 10 lead changes, the Senators were able to make the plays down the stretch to come away with the victory. Butler's clutch free throws in the final seconds were the difference, as he finished with a team-high 18 points for Walters State.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • Butler hit the game-sealing free throws with 8.9 seconds remaining in the contest.

The players

Taquez Butler

A sophomore guard for the Walters State Senators who scored a team-high 18 points, including the crucial free throws in the final seconds to clinch the victory.

Walters State Senators

The 14th-ranked men's basketball team from Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee.

Columbia State Chargers

The men's basketball team from Columbia State Community College, who fell just short against the higher-ranked Walters State squad.

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What they’re saying

“I've got you”

— Taquez Butler, Sophomore guard

What’s next

The Walters State Senators will look to build on this win as they continue their conference schedule, while the Columbia State Chargers will aim to rebound in their next game.

The takeaway

This close victory showcases the resilience and clutch performance of the 14th-ranked Walters State Senators, who were able to make the winning plays down the stretch against a tough conference opponent.