Henderson, Tenn. - The Cougars were on the road this evening in Henderson, Tennessee as they took on the Freed-Hardeman University Lions in the AMC Tournament Quarterfinals. Fifth seeded Columbia dug in and overcame the fourth seeded Lions by a final score of 80-77 to advance to the AMC Tournament Semifinals. The victory knotted the Cougars their 20^th win of the season as they are now 20-11.

Prior to the game, the following Cougars were recognized as members of the AMC All-Academic Team: Beau Washer, Braden Wendel, Desmond Funches, Jack Fritsche, Jorge Bueno, and Quinton Brown. In addition, Thibault Benabid was named Champion of Character.

With postseason play underway, each team settled in. The game was tied 8-8 five minutes in and remained tight as the half played out. Each side was playing steady on both ends, neither team able to separate themselves by much. At the half the Cougars were down by three, 36-33.

A little more than three minutes into the second half the Lions had taken a 10-point lead, 43-33, before the Cougars found their first bucket of the half. The Lions held on to that 10-point lead as it was 55-45 with about 13 minutes to go, however the Cougars were able to slow down the Lions as they went on a quick run to cut the deficit 55-52. Columbia stayed right on the Lions backs as they were down two with under 10 minutes left. Back to back Columbia three-pointers gave the Cougars the lead back, 65-63, and forced a Lion timeout. Out of the timeout the Cougars drew a charge and converted another bucket on the other end, but the Lions were able to cut it back to one, 70-69, as another timeout was called with less than four minutes on the clock. Down to the wire, it was tied at 73 with 42 seconds left. The Cougars went up by two and the Lions called time with 19.9 on the clock. Columbia was locked in coming out of the timeout and forced a Lion turnover to get the ball back in Cougar hands. Columbia secured the final moments with free throws to win 80-77.

Key Moment
The Cougars scored back to back three pointers with just under six minutes to play to retake the lead, 65-63, forcing a Lion timeout. Out of the timeout, the Cougars drew a charge and converted a bucket on the other end to keep the momentum in their hands.

By The Numbers
Cougars shot 50% from the field and 43% from three

31-12 – Columbia's bench outscored the Lion's bench
31-26 – The Cougars outrebounded the Lions
12-15 – Columbia was 80% from the line
 
Columbia College Leaders
Scoring Leader – Desmond Funches (22)
Rebounding Leader – Thibault Benabid (8)
Assist Leaders – Justin Shaw (4)
 
FHU Leaders
Scoring Leader – Konstantin Dotsenko (21)
Rebounding Leader – Bryan Battle (6)
Assist Leaders – Kortland Martin (4)
 
Up Next
Columbia advances to the AMC Tournament Semifinals where they will face number one seed Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas on Friday, March 6^th. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m.