Columbia, Mo. – The 16^th-ranked Columba College men's basketball team opened American Midwest Conference (AMC) play this evening with an 87-54 victory over conference newcomer, Central Baptist College. The win improves the Cougars record to 5-0 on the season and 1-0 in league play.

The teams kept things close to begin the contest, but back-to-back threes and a layup by Travis Vogt helped the Cougars gain separation, making the score 16-7. Columbia continued to lead throughout the half, extending their advantage to as many as 19 and carried a 39-24 advantage into the halftime break. Columbia shot 42 percent behind 12 first half points by Vogt and 11 from Zach Rockers. The Cougars maintained a sizeable lead over the final 20 minutes on their way to the blowout victory.

Columbia finished the game at 43 percent from the field while holding the Mustangs to 30 percent for the game. Three Cougars finished in double figures, led by Rockers with a season-high 20 points. Rockers also pulled down 13 rebounds to finish with his third double-double of the season. Vogt added a career-high 19 points and Nic Reynolds chipped in 11 points.

As announced this week, Columbia College will host the opening round men's soccer game and as a result, the men's basketball game on Saturday, November 21^st against Lyon College has been pushed up to 3:00 p.m. at the Arena of Southwell Complex.