Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon the 8th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team was back on the court when they hosted the Missouri Baptist University Spartans in their final regular season game. The Cougars cruised to victory over the Spartans by a final score of 88-49 to win their 19th straight game. Columbia improves to 25-5 on the season and 23-1 in conference play. For the first time since the 2010-11 season, the Cougars have claimed outright AMC Regular Season Conference Champions.
As the Cougars settled in they used a 12-4 run to lead after five minutes of play. The Spartans went on a quick run of their own to close the gap as it was 12-9 Columbia. The Cougars defense was forcing the Spartans into some tough shots as the quarter progressed. At the end of the first, Columbia led 17-13.
Columbia turned up their energy a notch as they took an 11 point lead midway through the second. The Cougars began to take over as they pushed their lead to 20 at the half. Columbia had solid communication on the defensive end, holding the Spartans to 26 points. The Cougars shot 59 percent from the field, 50 percent from three, and caused 11 Spartan turnovers in the first half as they led 46-26.
Columbia picked up where they left off with all momentum in their favor in the third quarter. The Cougars continued to be very effective on offense as they led 68-35 heading into the fourth. Columbia's defense also remained locked in holding the Spartans to just nine third quarter points. In the final quarter, Columbia remained on top. The Spartans continued to work, but the Cougars were too much to handle. The Cougars outrebounded the Spartans 46-30 and caused 19 Spartan turnovers in the game. Columbia wrapped up the regular season with an 88-49 victory.
Another great afternoon of basketball for the Cougars as there were three Cougars in double digits including Ashlee Marlatt who recorded 18 points going 3-6 from three, and grabbing five rebounds, Morgan Brandt tallied 17 points going 6-8 from the field, and Raegan Wieser chipped in 14 points and five rebounds. In addition, Mai Nienhueser pulled down a game high seven rebounds in the contest.
Columbia College is back in action on Thursday, March 1st when they host the AMC Tournament Quarterfinals. The game is set to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. in Southwell Complex.
