Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar men's basketball team opened the 2014-15 season with a 70-52 home victory over Central Methodist University tonight. Columbia, ranked No. 7 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, improves to 1-0 with their eighth straight season-opening win dating back to 2007-08.

Despite an early 2-0 lead, the Cougars trailed most of the first half until sophomore Malik Ray ignited the offense with three consecutive spectacular slam dunks to put the Cougars in the lead, 22-19. Columbia led the Eagles the remainder of the first half and took a 33-24 advantage into the halftime break. The Cougars shot 47 percent from the field and were led by Chantel Stanciel with nine points and Tanner Sutton with eight points at the half.

The Cougars would stay in command to begin the second half, scoring nine straight points as they stretched their lead to 42-24 just four minutes into the period.  Columbia outshot the visitors in the second half, draining four of their eight attempts from beyond the arc while Central Methodist would make good on just one of their eight attempts. Columbia also capitalized on the Eagles 13 turnovers, coming away with 18 points off the miscues. 

Senior Tanner Sutton led a balanced Cougar attack with a game high 16 points and also handed out two assists. Jeremy Nolan and Chantel Stanciel added 13 and 11 points respectively, while Zach Rockers and Malik Ray finished the game with 10 points apiece.

Columbia will return to the court this Friday, November 7^th and Saturday, November 8^th to host the Cougars vs. Cancer Classic, presented by Cost Cutters. Columbia will face off against Concordia Seminary College on Friday at 8 pm, followed by a matchup with Graceland University on Saturday at 8 pm. All games will be played at the Arena of Southwell Complex.