Box Score Columbia, Mo. - The sixth-ranked Cougar men's basketball team earned the regular season series sweep of Harris-Stowe State University with an 81-51 home victory on Saturday afternoon. With the win, Columbia improves to 20-2 on the year and 11-1 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC).

The Cougars built a double-digit lead midway through the first period as Jeremy Nolen knocked down a short jumper to put Columbia up 16-6 at the 11:54 mark. Columbia would maintain the lead over the remainder of the half and take a 34-21 advantage into the locker room at halftime. The Cougars outrebounded the Hornets 32-17 in the opening period, while shooting 46 percent from the field and holding HSSU to a 30 percent clip.

The two squads traded baskets to start the second half before a 13-4 run by Columbia stretched their lead out to 22 points with 6:41 to play. The Cougars would cruise to their fourth consecutive victory from there, extending their winning streak against the Hornets to five games dating back to 2012.

Devin Griffin finished with a game-high 20 points and six assists to lead Columbia, who connected on 35 of 68 attempts (52 percent) from the field for the game. Nolen and Patric Massey added 17 and 12 points respectively, and Chantel Stanciel rounded out the Cougars in double figures with 11.

Columbia will return to the hardwood on Thursday, February 6^th for a home matchup with league foe Park University. The Cougars defeated the Pirates 62-52 on the road back on January 2^nd. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm at the Arena of Southwell Complex.