Columbia, Mo. – The 4^th-ranked Columbia College men's basketball team extended their current winning streak to four games Thursday evening with a 84-83 double overtime victory over American Midwest Conference (AMC) opponent Harris-Stowe State University. The Cougars improve to 20-2 and 13-1 with the win while the Hornets fall to 10-12 and 6-8 with the loss. Tonight's win marks head coach Bob Burchard's 24^th season with 20 wins or more.

After leading by as many as 15, the Hornets closed the gap to nine points at 29-20 with 4:45 remaining in the half, but a three by Nic Reynolds sparked a 7-2 run, making the score 36-23. The Hornets responded with five straight points, pulling the team within eight however, the Cougars extended their lead back out to 11 and carried a 42-31 advantage into the halftime break.

The Hornets quickly erased the halftime deficit with an 8-2 run to pull within four at 44-40 however, the Cougars responded with a run of their own to go ahead 52-42. Harris-Stowe outscored the Cougars 14-3 to gain their first lead of the half at 56-55, but Columbia came calling back with a 5-1 run to regain their lead, making the score 60-56. The scrappy Hornets didn't back down and scored six consecutive points to go ahead 62-60. Columbia's Zach Rockers drained back-to-back threes to put the Cougars ahead 66-62 with 1:39 left to play in the game. A three pointer by Evan Jones pulled the Hornets back within one and a Columbia foul sent Craig Davila Jr. to the line where he made 1-of-2 to tie the game at 66. With 22 second left, the Cougars tried to run the clock down to get one final shot off, but couldn't find the basket, sending the game into overtime.

After trading baskets, Reynolds hit a three pointer, but Davila raced down the floor a hit a three of his own to tie the game back up at 71. Another three by Reynolds made it 74-71, but four straight points by the Hornets gave the visitors a 75-74 lead with 53 seconds left. With the Cougars in possession of the ball, Chantel Stanciel found Malik Ray who came up with a big dunk to put Columbia ahead 76-75. A Columbia foul allowed the Hornets to go to the line where they made one free throw to tie the game at 76.
Neither team would be able to score from there, sending the game into double overtime.

The Hornets scored two baskets while also tightening up on defense as they went ahead 80-76 at the 2:15 minute mark. Reynolds hit yet another three at the 1:21 minute mark making it 81-79 and Jackson Dubinski came up big with a three to pull the Cougars back within one at 83-82. Reynolds stopped the Hornets from scoring with a steal and ran down the floor where he was fouled. Reynolds then made 2-of-2 free throws giving Columbia an 84-83 lead with 12 seconds on the clock. The Cougar defense held the Hornets on the last play to pull away with the victory.

Columbia finished shooting 42 percent on the night while the Hornets shot 44 percent from the field and held a 47-42 advantage on the boards. Four Cougars finished in double digit scoring led by Reynolds with 22 points. Stanciel chipped in 18 points while Rockers and Travis Vogt finished with 12 points apiece. Rockers and Vogt led the team with six rebounds and Stanciel dished out eight assists.

Dominic Phillips the Hornets with 20 points while Malik Wineglass ended with 18 points.

During tonight's men's and women's basketball games, the four teams were not only battling for victories, but just as important, they were raising money and awareness for Coaches vs. Cancer.

Head Men's Basketball Coach Bob Burchard addressed fans between games encouraging them to join in the fight against Cancer. Each coach invited friends, family members, survivors and anyone else that has been touched or affected by cancer to stand with the four teams. When the arena was filled with players, family members and fans standing united, Burchard encouraged everyone to donate as much as possible to help find a cure for cancer. The men's coaches wore tennis shoes and suits to show their support. The Columbia College Athletic Department raised $1,565 from ticket sales and fan contributions.

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.

Coaches vs. Cancer evolved from a concept championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The Cougars will return to conference action Saturday, January 30^th when they host St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m. on Bob Burchard Court in Southwell Complex.