Conway, Ark. – The 4^th-ranked Columbia College men's basketball team earned the regular season series sweep over Central Baptist College this evening with an 80-74 road victory at A.R. Reddin Fieldhouse. With the win, Columbia improves to 18-2 on the year and 11-1 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play.
Columbia led the majority of the first half and carried a 44-33 advantage into the halftime break.

The Cougars maintained their lead in the second half and eventually stretched their advantage to 18 points at the 11:03 mark. The Mustangs hung around and used a 12-0 run from there to cut the deficit to six, making the score 56-62. However, the Cougars used a 7-0 run, capped off by a Nic Reynolds three, to go ahead 72-60 with three and a half minutes left to play. Central Baptist would attempt to make a late push as they cut the lead to five points at the 77-72 mark with 24 seconds left, but the Cougars would be able to hold on for the 80-74 win after scoring three of the last five points on free throws. 

The Cougars and Mustangs both finished shooting 47 percent from the field. Reynolds led the charge for Columbia as he posted 23 points after shooting 4-for-5 from three point range. Senior Zach Rockers chipped in 15 points and Travis Vogt added 14 points.

Central Baptist junior Jayln McBride led the Mustangs with 22 points while Jordan Wilson finished with 15 points. Fred Albright posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday, January 23^rd when they travel to AMC opponent Lyon College. Game time is set for 4:00 pm in Batesville, Ark.