Columbia, Mo. – The Cougars were back in the Arena of Southwell Complex tonight as they hosted Williams Baptist (Ark.) University in an AMC contest. The Cougars were able to rally through the intense rematch with the Eagles to secure the win by a final score of 69-66. Columbia is now 16-8 on the season and 11-5 in conference play.
 
Columbia took a while to find their rhythm which led to the Eagles taking an early lead. Jack Fritsche got Columbia riled up and going, scoring 11 unanswered points. Casius Bell Jr. finished the run with a dunk that excited the crowd and led to the Cougars holding the advantage at the break.
 
Williams Baptist came back from the locker room fired up, tying the game halfway through the second half, putting pressure on the Cougars. The teams were evenly matched as they stayed together up until the final minutes of the game when Columbia pulled through to claim the victory.
 
Key Moment
A shot made by Justin Shaw in the final thirty seconds gave Columbia the advantage for the win.
 
By the Numbers
9-10 – The Cougars shot 90% from the charity stripe
39-29 – Columbia picked up ten more rebounds than Williams Baptist
40-32 – The Cougars scored eight more points in the paint than the Eagles
 
Columbia College Leaders
Scoring Leader – Jack Fritsche, Thibault Benabid (17)
Rebounding Leader – Jack Fritsche (12) – Season High
Assist Leader – Justin Shaw (3)
 
Williams Baptist Leaders
Scoring Leader – Cortez King (16)
Rebounding Leader – Cortez King (11)
Assist Leader – Brian Davis (3)
 
Up Next
Columbia will host the Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University Lions in an AMC contest right here in the Arena of Southwell Complex on Saturday, February 8. Tip-off will be at 3:00 p.m.