Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia College men's basketball swept the competition in the two-day Cougars vs. Cancer Classic presented by Cost Cutters. After defeating Cumberland University yesterday, the Cougars went on to defeat Culver-Stockton College today to finish the weekend 2-0. With the 71-68 victory the Cougars, ranked No. 16 in the NAIA Top 25 poll, improve to 2-0 on the season and remain perfect at home. The Wildcats from Canton drop to 1-2 overall with the loss.

With the score tied at 23, Malik Ray and Jackson Dubinski hit back-to-back three-pointers to spark an 8-0 run to give the Cougars separation at 31-23, their largest lead of the half. The Wildcats didn't back down from there as they scored seven straight points to pull within one and eventually tied the game at 32. Over the next two and a half minutes, the Cougars outscored the Wildcats 6-3 to take a 38-35 lead into the halftime break.
Columbia shot 43 percent in the half compared to 42 percent by Culver-Stockton with the Wildcats holding a 26-19 advantage on the boards.

The Cougars maintained their lead but Culver-Stockton kept things close, but a 9-2 run allowed Columbia to gain a ten point lead at 57-47. The Wildcats chipped away at the Cougar lead over the next five minutes and eventually tied the game at 61 thanks to an 8-0 run. The teams traded points from there, but a three pointer by Culver-Stockton's Marques Pool allowed the Wildcats to take the 66-65 lead. The visiting team kept their one point lead, but with the clock winding down, senior Chantel Stanciel drew a foul where he made two baskets to allow the Cougars to regain their lead at 69-68.

With 48 seconds remaining, the Wildcats rushed up the floor, looking to score, but senior Zach Rockers would get a stop as he stole the ball giving it back to the Cougars. Culver-Stockton was forced to foul sophomore Jackson Dubinski who made two free throws to make the score 71-68. The Wildcats had one last chance to tie the score as Eric Moles threw up a three hoping to send the game in overtime, but the ball just missed as the Cougars held on for the victory.

Four Cougars ended the night in double figures led by Rockers and Stanciel with 14 points apiece. Malik Ray chipped in 11 points of his own while Nathan Biggs finished with 10. Rockers and Biggs also led the Cougars with nine rebounds each and Stanciel and Dubinski dished out three assists apiece. Columbia finished the night shooting 43 percent while Culver-Stockton shot 42 percent from the field. The Cougars also outrebounded the Wildcats 43-39 for the game.

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 William Woods, Kevin House and Austin Lowery. From Cumberland University Cedric Nash was recognized as well as Jojuan Graham from Culver-Stockton. From Columbia College, Chantel Stanciel was named to the all-classic squad and Zach Rockers earned most valuable player accolades for the second year in a row.

The Cougars will return to the court Saturday, November 14^th when they host Olivet Nazarene University. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.