Columbia, Mo. – The 16^th-ranked Columbia College men's basketball team extended their current winning streak to eight games this afternoon with a 79-54 win over Avila University on day two of the 2015 Hampton Inn Classic. The Cougars improve to 8-0 on the season with the win while the Eagles fall to 7-2 overall with the loss.

The game got off to a slow start as the Cougars led 12-6 midway through the first half. With Columbia ahead 19-11, Jackson Dubinski scored eight straight points, including back-to-back threes to give the Cougars a 27-16 lead over the visiting team. A three by Zach Rockers at the 1:56 minute mark would give Columbia their largest lead of the half, making the score 31-19. Columbia would carry a 36-24 advantage into the halftime break after both teams traded points over the last minute of play.

Columbia shot 44 percent from the field while limiting the Eagles to 24 percent shooting. Jackson Dubinski led all players with 11 points on three-of-three shooting from behind the arc in the half.

The Cougars continued to dominate and maintained their lead in the second half, extending their advantage to 20 points at 64-44 with seven minutes remaining in the game. The deficit was too much for the Eagles to overcome over the final minutes as Columbia would stretch their lead to 25 and run away the 79-54 victory.

The Cougars finished shooting 46 percent from the field while limiting the Eagles to 29 percent shooting. Dubinski led all players with a career-high 19 points, sinking four-of-four shots from beyond the arc. Rockers also finished in double figures with 17 points to go along with a team-high nine rebounds while Nic Reynolds chipped in 10 points. Chantel Stanciel led all players with 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 Missouri Baptist, David Gabrovsek. From Robert Morris, Johnny Stevens as well as Nduka Ezeamii and Sedrick Johnson from Avila University were recognized. From Columbia College, Dubinski was named to the all-classic squad and Rockers earned most valuable player accolades.

Columbia will return to action on Thursday, December 3^rd when they travel to American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Harris-Stowe State University. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 pm in St. Louis, Mo.