Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon the seventh ranked Columbia College men's basketball team was back in action when they played host to the Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College Wildcats in their final game of the 2017 Cougars vs. Cancer Tip-Off Classic Presented by Cost Cutters. The Cougars, who defeated Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University in their first game of the season, were able to improve to 2-0 on the year after defeating the Wildcats by a final score of 104-71.
The Cougars came out in the first half and took it to the Wildcats early jumping out to a quick 13-5 lead. They continued to push the tempo to start the game and were able to increase their lead to 14 with 13 minutes remaining in the period. The Wildcats did their best to get back in the game as the half progressed but the Cougars remained relentless and were able to find the holes in Culver-Stocktons defense. They led by 21 late in the half and took a 53-27 lead into the halftime break. Columbia College went 19-40 from the field in the half for a 47.50 shooting percentage while knocking down 5 shots on 15 tries from behind the arc. Preston Whitfield led the Cougars with 12 points in the half with Nathan Biggs contributing 10 and Jackson Dubinski adding 11.
In the second half of the game, both sides came out of the locker room and exchanged baskets early. Culver-Stockton looked like they were going to be able to go on a run but every time they tried to get anything going the Cougars were able to answer. Columbia College was able to increase their lead to 31 late in the game and never looked back as they cruised to their second win of the season.
Preston Whitfield led the way for the Cougars offensively as he finished with a game high 22 points in the contest. In addition to Whitfield's outstanding performance, Jackson Dubinski added 18 points, Nathan Biggs finished with 17 points, Adam Mennemeyer dropped in 15 points, and Hank Mathews finished with 11 points to round out the top offensive contributors for Columbia. Jalen Olds also had a solid outing bringing down a game high seven rebounds and adding seven assists.
Following the conclusion of the game the all-tournament team was announced. For their efforts throughout the weekend, Olivet Nazarenes Nic Reed, William Woods DeShaun Stark and Darrien Dickey, Culver-Stockton's Mike Johnson, and Columbia College's Preston Whitfield and Jackson Dubinski were all recognized. Preston Whitfield was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after finishing with 44 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists in two games.
The Cougars are back in action on Wednesday, November 8th when they host Westminster (Mo.) College in a non-conference matchup. The game is set to tip-off at 7 p.m. in the Southwell Athletic Complex.
