Columbia, Mo. - The 4^th-ranked Cougar women's basketball team picked up a home victory over American Midwest Conference (AMC) opponent Hannibal-LaGrange University by a score of 93-46 on Saturday afternoon at Southwell Complex. Columbia improves to 23-1 overall and 17-1 in AMC play with the win.

The Cougars rushed out to a 10-2 lead to begin the first quarter, however Morgan Winkler from HLGU scored six straight points to erase the deficit to two at 10-8. After trading baskets Winkler scored yet again to tie the game up at 12, but the Cougars would lead 13-12 at the end of the first quarter after making a last second free throw.

Columbia regained control as they outscored the Trojans 18-2 over the first five minutes of the second quarter and would carry a 43-24 lead into the halftime break. Corri Hamilton led the Cougars with 12 first half points while Winkler posted 14 points for the Trojans.

The Cougars completely dominated the third quarter, scoring 32 points while holding the Trojans to just six points, to extend their advantage 45 points. Columbia led by as many as 49 in the fourth quarter and would run away with the 93-46 lopsided victory.

Columbia finished shooting 49 percent from the field while holding the Trojans to a 33 percent clip. The Cougars also shot 42 percent from beyond the arc and made 18-of-24 free throws to finish shooting 75 percent from the charity stripe. Columbia had 12 players crack the scoring column with three finishing in double-figures. Hamilton led all players with 21 points and nine rebounds. Ashlee Marlatt chipped in 13 points and dished out a season-high five assists while Petrolina Chilaka finished with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists.

The Trojans were led by Winkler with 20 points.

The Cougars return the court on Thursday, February 11^th when they host crosstown foe Stephens College. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Southwell Complex.