Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon the 10th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team was back on the court when they hosted the Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.) Hornets in an AMC matchup. The Cougars won their 15th straight game defeating the Hornets by a final score of 83-58. Columbia improves to 21-5 on the season and 19-1 in conference play.
The Cougars started the game with great pace, taking a 9-0 lead early. The Hornets would get on the board after four minutes of play to end the Cougars early run. HSSU would go on a 6-0 run to put themselves right back in the game as it was 9-6 Cougars with three and a half to go in the first. The Hornets began to apply some full court pressure but Columbia was not phased as they continued to push on offense. The Cougars led 20-12 after one, causing eight Hornet turnovers in the first quarter.
Columbia used a 7-3 run to lead 27-15 about midway through the second. The Cougars kept up their intensity on the defensive end forcing the Hornets into tough looks. The Hornets were struggling to defend Columbia as the Cougars continued to do a great job at finding the open look and sharing the ball as they had 11 assists on 15 made baskets in the half. At the break, Columbia led 44-27 shooting 45 percent from the field and 54 percent from three. The Cougars also grabbed seven steals off of 14 Hornet turnovers in the half.
Columbia's momentum carried over to the third quarter as they came out with the same energy and pace they started the game with. As the Cougars took a 21 point lead three minutes into the third, the Hornets were forced to call a timeout. As the quarter progressed, Columbia maintained their lead as the score was 64-40 heading into the fourth.
The Hornets came out in the fourth pressuring the Cougars looking to disrupt their flow, however Columbia would remain in control. With five minutes remaining the Cougars led 74-47. Columbia was too much for the Hornets as the Cougars won their 15th straight game by a final score of 83-58. Columbia had 20 assists on 32 made baskets, and 13 steals on 22 Hornet turnovers in the contest.
For Columbia, Raegan Wieser led with 17 points, along with Mai Nienhueser who recorded 12 points and five rebounds, and Morgan Brandt who tallied 12 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Alford pulled down a team high eight rebounds and dished out four assists along with Ashlee Marlatt and Wieser who also handed out four assists apiece this afternoon.
Columbia College is back in action on Tuesday, February 13th when they host the Park University Pirates in an AMC matchup. The game is set to tip-off at 5:30 p.m.
