Columbia, Mo. – Tonight the 20^th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team took the court when they faced off against Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University in an AMC contest. The Cougars were able to extend their winning streak to four straight games with a 73-65 win over the Hornets and improved to 8-1 on the season.

In the first quarter of the game, both teams played tough defense and neither side was able to get anything to fall. The Cougars had a tough time taking care of the ball as the Hornets forced them to turn the ball over four times in the quarter. Despite all of the turnovers, Columbia College was able to end the quarter on a 14-7 run in the final three minutes of the period to take a 24-17 lead into the second quarter thanks to Morgan Brandt who had five points and an assist during that stretch.

The Cougars got off to a quick start in the second quarter with Morgan Brandt picking up right where she left off in the first. Columbia College had the ball to start the period and worked it around before finding Brandt under the basket for the open layup. The Cougars were able to extend their lead to 10 points in the quarter but the Hornets battled back scoring six straight points to cut the lead to down to four. However, two quick three's from freshman standout Jordan Alford in the last couple minutes of the half helped give the Cougars a 37-30 lead heading into the halftime break.

Columbia College was able to carry their momentum into second half and started the third quarter on a 10-2 run. Harris-Stowe fought hard to get back into the game but every time they looked like they would go on a run and cut into the Cougars lead they would turn the ball over and the momentum would swing back in Columbia's favor. Jordan Alford took over for the Cougars in the third quarter converting on four of her seven shots including two three pointers to finish the quarter with 10 points.

In the fourth and final quarter, Columbia College played great defense and forced the Hornets to take contested shots to start the period. They slowed down the pace and worked the ball inside which allowed them to extend their lead to 15 late in the game. However, the Hornets did not quit and played swarming defense forcing the Cougars to turn the ball over several times. They went on a 12-2 run at the end of the game and cut the lead down to four but the Cougars were able to convert on their free throw attempts down the final stretch and edged out the victory to improve to 3-1 in conference play.

The Cougars had two players finish in double figures including Jordan Alford who finished with a team high 20 points and Morgan Brandt who dropped in 19 points. In addition to her 19 points, Brandt was also a force on the glass as she was able to bring down a game high 11 rebounds in the contest.

The Cougars are back in action on Wednesday, December 7^th when they take on Baker (Kan.) University in a non-conference matchup. The Wildcats are currently 6-1 on the season and rank 13^th in the NAIA. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. in the Southwell Complex.