Box Score Columbia, Mo. - The 4^th-ranked Cougar men's basketball team won its ninth straight game to open the 2013-14 season on Monday night, defeating Central Christian College of the Bible by a score of 106-45 at the Arena of Southwell Complex.

Columbia dominated the contest from start to finish, racing out to a 24-4 lead just five minutes into the first half. The Cougars stretched their lead out to 66-27 at the halftime break after shooting 69 percent from the field and hitting 7 of 10 attempts from three-point range in the opening period. Marcus Whitt led the way for Columbia with 13 points at the break. The Cougars maintained a sizeable lead over the final 20 minutes on their way to the blowout victory.

Columbia finished the game at 63 percent from the field, while also knocking down 11 of 20 attempts from three. A trio of Cougars finished in double figures, led by Marcus Whitt with 18 points. Derrick Dilworth added 16 points and Devin Griffin chipped in 13 off the bench. Malik Ray pulled down a career-high eight rebounds as Columbia finished with a 45-25 advantage on the boards.

Columbia will be idle until Wednesday, December 18^th when they travel to non-conference opponent Benedictine (Kan.) College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm in Atchison, Kan.