Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon the 11th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team was back on the court when they hosted the William Woods (Mo.) University Owls in an AMC matchup. The Cougars winning streak prevailed as they defeated the Owls by a final score of 88-57. Columbia improves to 17-5 on the season and 15-1 in conference play.
Both sides came out exchanging baskets to start the first. Tied at 10 about midway through, neither team could take the early lead. They would find themselves tied up at 17 with a minute and a half to play in the quarter. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Raegan Wieser was able to find Jordan Alford who knocked down a three to take the lead 20-17 heading into the second quarter.
Woods went on a 10-3 run to start the second as they took the lead 27-23. Columbia would go 3-3 from beyond the arc to quickly take the lead back 29-28 with seven minutes to go. As the quarter progressed, the Cougars were doing a good job of being patient and finding the open player on the offensive end while communicating on the defensive end. Columbia shot 59 percent from the field and 69 percent from three as they led 45-37 at halftime.
The Cougars came out of the break full of energy on both ends of the court. Columbia held the Owls scoreless for the first three minutes as they went on a 7-0 run before the Owls would hit a free throw to end the run making the score 52-38 Cougars. Woods was having a tough time stopping Columbia on the offensive end as the Cougars jumped out to a 65-45 lead with three and a half to go in the third. Columbia had their foot on the gas as they led 73-47, outscoring the Owls 28-10 heading into the final quarter.
The Owls continued to fight, but the Cougars could not be rattled. Columbia played excellent team defense, as well as running a patient, effective offense against Woods. The Cougars shot 52 percent from the field, 54 percent from beyond the arc, and 73 percent from the line. They outrebounded the Owls 43-32 as they notched an 88-57 win.
Columbia had four players in double digits this afternoon. Mai Nienhueser recorded 16 points along with four rebounds, Ashlee Marlatt tallied 15 points, going 4-5 from three, four rebounds, and five assists, while Sarah Walters and Raegan Wieser each chipped in 13 points apiece. In addition to Marlatt's five assists, Alford also dished out five assists, while Morgan Brandt pulled down a game high 11 rebounds.
Columbia College is back in action on Thursday, February 1st when they host number one ranked Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University in an AMC matchup. The game is set to tip-off at 5:30 p.m. in Southwell Complex.
