Columbia, Mo. - The 16^th-ranked Cougar women's basketball team defeated American Midwest Conference (AMC) opponent Lindenwood University-Belleville 86-71 on Thursday evening to claim their 12^th straight victory. Columbia improves to 12-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play with the win while the Lynx fall to 2-9 on the season and 2-3 in AMC play.

The Cougars outscored the Lynx 22-16 in the first quarter after shooting 43 percent from the field. Columbia scored nine straight points to begin with the second quarter, extending their lead to 15 at 31-16 and would carry a 47-33 advantage into the halftime break. The Cougars shot 42 percent in the half behind 10 points by Martha Imoniana while holding the Lynx to 35 percent shooting. Columbia also held a 29-18 advantage on the boards at the half.

Columbia utilized a 12-2 run to stretch their advantage to 24 to start the third quarter, making the score 59-35. The Lynx hung around and reeled off a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 14 at 59-45, but the Cougars closed out the quarter with a 7-0 run, making the score 66-45 with 30 minutes erased from the game. Columbia continued to dominate throughout the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 27 on their way to their 12^th straight victory.

Columbia finished shooting 42 percent for the game while limiting the Lynx to 38 percent shooting from the field. Petrolina Chilaka led the Cougars with 17 points while Morgan Brandt posted her second double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Imoniana chipped in a season-high 14 points and seven rebounds while Corri Hamilton dished out a game high four assists.

The Cougars return to the court Thursday, December 31^st when they travel across town to take on Stephens College. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.