Columbia, Mo. – This afternoon, the Columbia Cougars men's basketball team continued play in the 2019 Cougars vs. Cancer Tip-Off Classic playing against the Peru State (Neb.) College Bobcats. The Cougars were defeated by the Bobcats by a final score of 76-62 and are now 0-2 on the season.

The Bobcats started the first half strong, scoring eight unanswered points until Braden Wendel made a three-point shot in the third minute to get the Cougars on the board. Peru State had their biggest lead of 13 points only five minutes into the half and were able to maintain the advantage for the remainder of the half.
The Cougars came out of the locker room on fire, cutting the Bobcats lead to just four points early in the second half. Peru State went on a scoring spree late in the game that was too much for Columbia as they fell for the second time this season.

Turning Point
The Bobcats went on a 12-2 run to pull away from the Cougars by 22 with just over five minutes remaining in the contest. 

By The Numbers
17 – Number of field goals the Bobcats made in the first half
32-13 – Peru State's bench outscored Columbia's bench
24 – Peru State's points off turnovers
13 – Three-pointers made by the Bobcats
9 – offensive rebounds by the Cougars

Columbia Leaders
Points – Justin Shaw (19)
Rebounds – Justin Shaw (9)
Assists – Jack Fritsche, Braden Wendel, Justin Shaw (3)

Peru State Leaders
Points – Devon Colley (19)
Rebounds – Devon Colley (9)
Assists – Devon Colley (6)

Up Next
The Cougars are back on the court on Tuesday, November 5^th when they travel to Fayette, Missouri to go up against the Central Methodist University Eagles. The game is set to begin at 7 p.m.