Columbia, Mo. – The 12^th-ranked Columbia College men's basketball team defeated American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Park University this evening by a score of 108-98 at the Arena of Southwell Complex. With the victory, Columbia improves to 24-5 on the season and 17-4 in conference play while the Pirates fall to 18-8 overall and 16-5 in league play with the loss.

With the score tied at 17, the Pirates used a 5-0 run to gain separation and maintained the lead from there. The Pirates eventually extended their advantage to 10 at 35-25 after scoring six straight points causing Columbia to call a timeout.

Zach Rockers drained a three following the timeout, but Parks' BJ Watson rushed down the floor and hit a three of his own to make the score 38-28 with 4:26 remaining in the half. Columbia came roaring back as they would use an 11-2 run from there, capped off by a big three by Rockers to tie the game at 40 at the 1:25 minute mark.

With the half winding down, Park scored two quick baskets to go ahead 44-40. Rockers and Watson traded threes yet again in the closing seconds as Park carried a 47-43 advantage into the halftime break.  

Parks' Levi Mitchell opened the second half with a three, but Nic Reynolds hit a three of his own to make the score 50-46. Columbia reeled off a 17-2 run over the next five minutes of play, finished off with back-to-back threes by Reynolds and Jackson Dubinski to regain the lead at 62-53. Columbia eventually stretched their lead to double-digits on a three by Dubinski at 73-60 and held a double figure advantage over the next six minutes. The Pirates made it a nine point game at 86-77 after making four free throws with 5:22 remaining in the game, but Columbia came calling back with a 5-0 run, to make the score 91-77. That Pirates outscored the Cougars 8-5 over the next two minutes to pull within 11 at 96-85 and would come within nine four different times, but Columbia would hold on down the stretch, pulling away with the 108-98 victory.

The Cougars finished shooting 55 percent from the field compared to 52 percent by the Pirates. Park converted 31 Columbia fouls into 31 points to finish shooting 74 percent from the charity stripe and also outrebounded the Cougars 37-35.

Reynolds led the attack with a career-high 28 points. Rockers chipped in 15 points and nine rebounds while Dubinski also finished with 15 points. Travis Vogt and Jesse Brown rounded out the scoring with 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Pirates were led by Mylin Jordan with 26 points. Xavielle Brown posted a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds while Watson ended with 22 points.

Prior to Thursday's game, Brandyn Chambers, Julio Stewart, Chantel Stanciel, Zach Rockers, Jobe Dillard and Marcus Whitt were recognized for Senior Day.

In addition, Whitt was recognized for earning his 100^th career win, making him the 16^th Cougar player in men's basketball history to join the Century Club. In his four years Marcus has a record of 117 wins and 16 losses.

The Cougars will close out the regular season on the road vs. conference foe William Woods University on Saturday, February 27^th. Game time is slated for 4:00 p.m. in Fulton, Mo.