Columbia, Mo. –The 16^th-ranked Cougar men's basketball team won their third straight game to open the 2015-16 season this afternoon, defeating non-conference opponent Olivet Nazarene University by a score of 80-70. With the win, Columba improves to 3-0 overall.

Neither team gained much separation to begin the first half until the Cougars used a 6-0 run to make the score 22-15 midway through. Columbia maintained their lead from there, and would carry a 48-30 advantage into the halftime break with the help of a 14-2 run that was capped off by a three pointer by Nic Reynolds with 11 seconds remaining.

Columbia continued to lead by double-digits in the second half, eventually extending their advantage to 23 points as Reynolds knocked down yet another three with five minutes gone. At the 9:22 minute mark, the Lions worked to cut the deficit by using a 10-1 run to pull within ten at 70-60. A three-pointer by Jackson Dubinski pushed the Cougar lead back out and despite ending on an 8-2 run, the Tigers were unable to go ahead as Columbia pulled away with the win.

The Cougars shot a season high 54.5 percent from the field while holding the Tigers to a 37.9 percent clip. ONU held a 39-34 advantage on the glass while also committing 19 fouls compared to Columbia's 17. Reynolds led Columbia with a career-high 24 points after draining seven of ten attempts from three point range. Nathan Biggs chipped in 14 points and Dubinski also finished in double figures with 10 of his own. Zach Rockers pulled down a game high 10 rebounds while Chantel Stanciel dished out five assists.

Columbia will return to action, Monday, November, 16^th when they host NCAA Division III member Westminster College. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Arena of Southwell Complex