Columbia, Mo. – The 7^th ranked Columbia College men's basketball team held on down the stretch for their eighth straight victory tonight against American Midwest Conference (AMC) opponent Missouri Baptist University. Columbia defeated the Spartans 79-63 to improve to 14-1 and remains undefeated at 7-0 in AMC play.

A quick start in the first half led to a 22-point advantage in favor of the Cougars at the break. Columbia shot exactly 50 percent from the field and dropped in eight three's throughout the first 20 minutes of play. The Cougars had the edge in every shooting category as they held the visitors to just seven field goals and 21 percent shooting.

The first half lead turned out to be a difference maker for Columbia as they were outscored by Missouri Baptist in the second frame, 41-35. The Cougars were the ones who struggled in scoring in the second half, connecting on just eight of their attempts, whereas the Spartans 15 made baskets led to an intense final minutes of the contest. However Missouri Baptist could not bridge the gap and fell to the NAIA's seventh ranked squad.

Columbia held the advantage on the boards, 46-38 and finished with six blocks including three by Jesse Brown. Columbia was led in scoring by Jackson Dubinski who finished with a game-high 22 points. Nathan Biggs logged a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards and Preston Whitfield chipped in 11 points. Malik Ray led all players with 12 rebounds.

The Cougars are idle until next Thursday, January 5^th when they resume AMC play and travel to Henderson, Tennessee to take on 24^th ranked Freed-Hardeman University.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. Check the men's basketball schedule page at columbiacougars.com to listen and watch the game live.