Columbia, Mo. – Tonight the Columbia Cougars men's basketball team kicked off their season against the Olivet Nazarene University Tigers in the Cougars vs Cancer Tip-Off Classic. The Cougars were defeated by the Tigers by a final score of 81-62.

The Tigers gained control right off the tip and were able to get on the board first with two free throws. The Cougars trailed for the majority of the half, until the four minute mark when they tied the game at 25-25. With a dunk by Braden Wendel, Columbia went on a scoring streak to take the lead at the end of the half, 38-34.

The Tigers came out of the locker room on fire and took an 11 point lead midway through the half. Three point baskets from Jack Fritsche and Jorge Bueno turned the Cougars back on the scoring trail but Olivet was just too much offensively and took the win.

Turning Point
18:53 in the second half, Olivet started a 17-4 run lasting over five minutes. The Tigers held the lead for the duration of the contest. 

By The Numbers
24-14 – Columbia's bench outscored ONU's bench
16 – Olivet's points off turnovers
13 – Three-pointers made by the Tigers, including 11 in the second half

Columbia Leaders
Points – Jack Fritsche (17)
Rebounds – Jack Fritsche (10)
Assists – Jorge Bueno (5)

Olivet Nazarene Leaders
Points – Alex Gross (20)
Rebounds – Nic Reed (13)
Assists – Nic Reed/Dane Schlafley (4)

Up Next
The Cougars are back tomorrow, November 2^nd, when they take on Peru State College in their final game of the Cougars vs. Cancer Tip-Off Classic. The game is set to begin at 4:30 p.m.