Box Score Columbia, Mo. - The 15^th-ranked Lady Cougar basketball team bounced back from Saturday's loss at Freed-Hardeman to defeat conference opponent Benedictine University-Springfield by a score of 114-59 at home on Thursday night. With the victory, Columbia improves to 13-5 overall on the year and 9-1 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC). Thursday night's game was also part of the annual 'Suits vs. Sneakers' event in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The Lady Cougars overcame a sloppy start and reeled off an 18-2 run midway through the first half to gain separation on their way to a 60-38 lead at the halftime break. Janairrika Bland led the way for Columbia with 12 points and seven rebounds at the break, while Danielle Duncan and Corri Hamilton each added 10. The Lady Cougars owned a 40-18 rebounding advantage and also forced 13 Bulldog turnovers in the opening period.

Columbia would lead by double digits throughout the second half as they cruised to their ninth victory in ten games dating back to December 28^th. The Lady Cougars shot 48 percent to go along with a season-high 77 rebounds on the night and were led by Bland with 23 points and 11 boards, her second double-double in four games since joining Columbia. The Lady Cougars received scoring contributions from nine other players for the game, including 18 apiece from Duncan and Ashley Fisher. Ryan Edwards led the Bulldogs with 23 points.

Columbia will be back in action on Saturday, January 25^th to take on conference foe Missouri Baptist University. The game will be played on the campus of Maryville University in St. Louis, Mo. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Maryville's Moloney Arena.