Box Score Mayfield, Ky. - After a narrow 70-67 win in their first meeting on January 14^th, the Columbia men's basketball team earned a decisive 85-58 road victory on Tuesday night at league opponent Mid-Continent University. The Cougars improve to 25-2 overall and 16-1 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play with the win, their ninth straight dating back to January 23^rd.

Columbia jumped out to a quick lead on a pair of quick three-pointers by Tanner Sutton and led 16-11 early in the first half. The Cougars were then able to put some separation between themselves and MCU with the help of a 10-0 run over the next three minutes. Wendell Crowder and Derrick Dilworth each connected on a three-pointer during the spurt as Columbia stretched their lead out to 26-11 at the 12:29 mark. The Cougars led by double digits over the remainder of the period and shot 55 percent from the field and 7 of 14 from three-point range on their way to a 48-30 halftime advantage.

Jeremy Nolen had a team-high nine points in the opening period and scored back-to-back baskets to begin the second half for a 52-30 Columbia lead. The Cougars controlled the game from that point on, taking an 80-44 lead on a bucket by Eric Clark with 7:02 to play. Columbia finished the game at an even 50 percent (30 of 60) from the field, led by Nolen with a game-high 22 points. Devin Griffin added 14 points and four assists and Crowder also finished in double figures with 10. Mid-Continent was led by Joe Gilmore with 19 points.

Despite a 2-0 record last week, the Cougars fell one spot to No. 7 in the latest release of the NAIA Men's Basketball Top 25 Poll on Tuesday afternoon. Cal State San Marcos (27-1) maintained the top spot in the rankings for the fourth consecutive week, while American Midwest Conference member Freed-Hardeman (23-2) dropped two spots to No. 5 following their second loss of the season to Lindenwood-Belleville last Tuesday. Columbia will host Freed-Hardeman on Saturday, February 22^nd with the AMC regular season championship at stake. The Lions dealt the Cougars their lone conference loss of the season back on January 18^th. Tip-off for Saturday's contest is scheduled for 4:00 pm and will follow the Columbia-Freed Hardeman women's game at the Arena of Southwell Complex.