Columbia, Mo. – Tonight the 6th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team was back on the court when they hosted the Williams Baptist College (Ark.) Eagles in the AMC quarterfinals. The Cougars defeated the Eagles in a dominating fashion with a final score of 91-57 to win their 20th straight game which matches the longest winning streak in program history set in the 2003-04 season. Columbia improves to 26-5 on the season as they advance to the AMC Tournament Semifinals.
Prior to the game the 2017-18 AMC Academic All-Conference members were announced. For their efforts in the classroom the following Cougars were recognized, Abi Feeney, Alexis Uffmann, Ashlee Marlatt, Grey Hayes, Hannah Sutton, Madison McGregor, Morgan Brandt, Raegan Wieser, Sarah Walters, and Ukari McKinney. Hannah Sutton was also recognized as Columbia's Champion of Character.
Columbia got off to a quick start as they led 8-0 less than two minutes in, causing the Eagles to call an early timeout. The Cougars were locked in on both ends of the floor while they led 18-4 with three minutes left in the first. As Columbia set the tone in the first they led 25-8 after one.
The Cougars intensity continued as they pushed their lead to 20 midway through the second. The Eagles were struggling to contain the Cougars on offense as Columbia was playing at a quick pace. In the first half the Cougars shot 42 percent from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the line. In addition, they grabbed 11 steals on 16 Eagles turnovers while they led 45-25 at halftime.
After the break Columbia's defense continued to excel giving the Eagles a hard time. On offense the Cougars were doing a great job finding the open player as they continued to control the pace. Columbia held a 30 point lead heading into the fourth, holding the Eagles to just nine third quarter points.
The Eagles began to apply some pressure on the Cougars, but Columbia handle it with ease. The Eagles kept fighting, but the Cougars would finish strong with a 91-57 victory to advance to the semifinals of the AMC Tournament.
Columbia had four players in double digits including Jordan Alford (21), Morgan Brandt (16), Sarah Walters (14), and Mai Nienhueser (13). In addition, Ukari McKinney pulled down a game high 10 rebounds while Alexis Uffmann dished out a game high five assists. The Cougars shot an impressive 92 percent from the charity stripe, while also having 17 assists on 30 shots. Columbia also snagged 15 steals on 25 Eagle turnovers.
Columbia College is back in action on Saturday, March 3rd when they host William Woods (Mo.) University in the AMC Tournament Semifinals. The game is set to tip off at 3 p.m. in Southwell Complex.
