Columbia, Mo. – Tonight the 16th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team took the court for the first time this season when they hosted the Mount-Mercy (Iowa) University Mustangs in the Cougars vs. Cancer Tip-Off Classic presented by Cost Cutters. The Cougars looked to carry over their success from last season when they went 26-7 and earned a bid to the National Tournament. Columbia was able to defeat the Mustangs by a final score of 89-59 to pick up their first win of the season and Coach Possail would notch his first career win as well.
The first quarter of the game both teams were looking to shake off the rust and take control. As the Cougars were struggling to score early on, Sarah Walters entered the game and knocked down a deep three to give Columbia an energy boost and tie the game at 7. Walter's energy boost would propel the Cougars on an 11-3 run to close out the first quarter leading 18-10. Columbia was able to carry their momentum into the second quarter. The Mustangs would cut the lead to seven but that is as close as they would get in the first half as the Cougars led 36-26 going into the halftime break. Columbia went 13 for 31 from the field and 4 for 11 from behind the arc in the first half.
The Cougars applied the pressure early coming out of halftime, causing many Mustang turnovers to start the third quarter. The Mustangs were doing their best to hang in the game, but Columbia would remain in control as they led 56-44 at the end of the third. The Cougars continued to dominate the game with a quick bucket from Mai Nienhueser and back to back threes from Ashlee Marlatt to start the fourth quarter. The Mustangs could not slow Columbia down as the Cougars outscored Mount Mercy 33-15 in the final quarter.
The Cougars were led by Morgan Brandt who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Alford (14), Ashlee Marlatt (13), and Sarah Walters (11) also recorded double-digit points to round out the top scorers for Columbia. In addition, Alexis Uffmann dished out a game high six assists.
The Cougars are back in action tomorrow night, November 4th, when they take on Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College in their final game of the Cougars vs. Cancer Tip-Off Classic presented by Cost Cutters. The game is set to begin at 5 p.m.
