Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College men's basketball swept the competition in the two-day Cougars vs. Cancer Classic presented by Cost Cutters. After defeating Concordia Seminary College yesterday, the Cougars went on to defeat Graceland University today to finish the weekend 2-0. With the 91-66 victory the Cougars, ranked No. 7 in the NAIA Top 25 poll, improve to 3-0 on the season and remain perfect at home. The Yellowjackets from Graceland drop to 1-2 overall with the loss.

Columbia trailed early in the first half, until Senior Zach Rockers knocked down a trio of three-pointers to give the Cougars a 21-16 lead.  The Cougars remained hot using a 22-6 run midway through the frame on their way to a 43-26 halftime lead. Columbia hit 14 of 37 attempts from the field in the half and also owned a 26-14 rebounding advantage, while holding the Yellowjackets to 36 percent from the floor. Rockers led all players with 15 points in the first half.

Columbia continued to dominate on into the second half and maintained a 20-point lead over the final 11:06 of regulation. Columbia led by as many as 29 over the remainder of regulation as they cruised to their third consecutive win. The Cougars shot 58 percent in the final period to finish at 48 percent on the night, led by Zach Rockers with a team-high 18 points. Three more Cougars ended in double digits including Jeremy Nolen with 14 points. Travis Vogt posted 11 points while Tanner Sutton added ten points helping Columbia finish with a 91-66 edge on the boards. Malik Ray pulled down a game high eight rebounds while Jackson Dubinski gave out a game high four assists.

Following the final contest of the evening, a five-member all-classic team, as well as a most valuable player for the men, was recognized. Members of the men's squad include, from William Woods, Ryan Hill. From Graceland University, Austin Danner and Max Francisco were recognized as well as Noah Kegley from Concordia Seminary College. From Columbia College, Malik Ray was named to the all-classic squad and Zach Rockers earned most valuable player accolades.

The Cougars will return to the court Tuesday, November 18^th when they travel to Fayette, Mo. to face Central Methodist University for the second time this season. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m.