Oskaloosa, Iowa- Tonight the 9^th ranked Columbia College women's basketball team traveled to Oskaloosa, Iowa to take on the 25^th ranked William Penn University Statesmen in a nonconference matchup. The Cougars took the game from the Statesmen, 71-68, starting the season at 1-0.

The Statesman gained control from the tip off and were able to get on the board first but the Cougars quickly evened up the score and stayed close to the host squad throughout, trading the lead several times over the first and second quarter. A late surge by Columbia would result in a 33-32 advantage at the halftime break.

The Cougars came out aggressive in the third quarter, putting up five points in the first two minutes of play, but William Penn answered right back and held the edge until Jordan Alford's three-point basket tied up the game at the end of the quarter.

A 13-0 run to open up the fourth quarter gave the Cougars the cushion they needed heading into the final minutes when the Statesmen pulled within one.  William Penn fouled Alford, sending her to the line with just seconds left where she drained both to give the Cougars the victory.

Key Moments
Cougars went on a ten point run in the second quarter and a 13-0 run in the fourth. The Statesmen grabbed 11 offensive boards but were only able to covert that into five points.

By The Numbers
24- Field goals made by Columbia
18- Columbia's points off turnovers.
16-14- Columbia's bench outscored William Penn's bench
18- William Penn's points from the paint
13- Three pointers made by Columbia
3 – Career double-doubles by Jordan Alford

Columbia College Leaders
Points – Jordan Alford (22)
Rebounds –  Jordan Alford (10)
Assists – Jordan Alford (9)

William Penn Leaders
Points – Brittany West (24)
Rebounds – Brenda Pennington (9)
Assists – Brenda Pennington (8)

Up Next
The Cougars are back on the court on Saturday, November 9^th when they are set to host the Grand View University Vikings. The game is set to begin at 6 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.