Columbia, Mo. – It was an intense matchup tonight in the Arena of Southwell Complex as the Cougars hosted the 21^st ranked Central Baptist (Ark.) College Mustangs in another AMC matchup. Columbia came out on top, upsetting the visitors 89-68 to improve to 10-7 overall and 5-4 in AMC play.
 
The Cougars surprised the Mustangs by taking a commanding lead from the very start of the game. Columbia was on fire beyond the arc, hitting nine three-pointers while Central Baptist failed to make a single one. Their hot shooting led to a 23-point gap heading to the locker room.
 
Columbia led the entire second half, matching the Mustangs basket for basket and taking advantage of their large first half lead to take the victory.
 
Key Moment
In the final 11 minutes of the first half, Columbia went on a 27-14 run.
 
By The Numbers
31-16 – The Cougar bench scored 15 more points than the Mustangs bench
42-36 – Central Baptist had six more points in the paint than Columbia College
11-2 – Columbia made nine more baskets from behind the arc
 
Columbia College Leaders
Scoring Leader – Justin Shaw (16)
Rebounding Leader – Justin Shaw (14) – Career High
Assist Leader – Justin Shaw (6)
Steals Leader – Justin Shaw (4)
 
Central Baptist Leaders
Scoring Leader – Darius Polley (16)
Rebounding Leader – Tedrick Wolfe (7)
Assist Leader – Darius Polley (3)
Steals Leader – Darius Polley (4)
 
Up Next
The Cougars will be back in the Arena of Southwell Complex on Saturday, January 18 when they host the Lyon (Ark.) College Scots for another AMC event. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.