Columbia, Mo. – This evening the Columbia College men's basketball team hosted the Central Baptist College Mustangs in an AMC matchup. The Cougars avenged a previous two-point loss to the Mustangs as they were victorious 71-59. Columbia is now 14-13 on the season and 9-11 in conference play.
Columbia started the game taking the early 6-2 lead. As the game continued it was tied at 10. Justin Shaw finished a strong three-point conversion to take back a three point lead with around 12 minutes before the half. The Mustangs went on a 4-0 run to take a 17-13 lead, but Columbia came right back cutting the lead to one. Another Mustang run put them up 25-16 as the Cougars took a timeout with under seven left in the half. Columbia went on their own run, cutting the lead back to four, 25-21, this time making the Mustangs call time. As the half wound down, the Cougars remained behind 36-27 at the break. Columbia shot 42 percent in the half. Shaw led all scorers with 15 points, going 2-4 from three.
The Mustangs took a 10 point lead to start off the second half. However, the Cougars were not backing down as they kept fighting and stayed within striking distance, down 50-44 with 12 minutes to play. Columbia continued to find the bucket, but needed to find a way to stop the Mustangs on offense. The Mustangs led 55-49 as timeout was called. The game was knotted at 55 each with six minutes to go. The Cougars took a two point lead, but the Mustangs quickly tied it back at 59, and the Mustangs wanted timeout. A pair of free throws from Adam Mennemeyer and a steal and finish from Braden Wendel put Columbia up 63-59. Mennemeyer was able take a critical charge to get the ball back in the Cougars hands with a minute and a half to play. Columbia was up 67-59 with a minute left. The Mustangs were forced to foul and the Cougars would go on to secure the 71-59 victory.
Adam Mennemeyer tied his season-high of 22 points and had seven boards, while Justin Shaw dropped 19 points with four rebounds. In addition, Desmond Funches had 13 points and Darrick Ellis grabbed seven rebounds. Columbia finished shooting 52 percent from the field and 87 from the line.
The men's basketball team is at home on Saturday, February 16th to take on the Lyon College Scots in an AMC contest. The game is set to start at 3:00 p.m.
