Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College Cougars men's basketball team saw its season-best five-game losing streak come to an end at the hands of William Woods (Mo.). The Owls, winners of three of the last five games against Columbia, won 54-47.

William Woods jumped out to an early 8-3 lead, but the Cougars fought back and tied the game at 8-8 with 13:20 left in the first half. The Owls responded with a 19-8 run to take their biggest lead of the half at 27-16 with four minutes remaining in the first. After a Columbia timeout, the Cougars ended the half on an 8-0 run and trailed 27-24 at the half.

The two teams continued to battle in the second half, as neither team held more than a three-point advantage in the first 12 minutes. That lead came when Tony Burks scored two points giving the Cougars a 42-39 lead. The Owls regained the lead for good at 45-43 with 6:25 remaining and held on for the five-point win. Columbia was held scoreless for the last 3:08 of the game.  

By the Numbers:
8 – Columbia had eight assists on 17 made field goals.
6 – The Owls had six blocks
13.3 – Columbia held William Woods to a 13.3-percent (2-15) from behind the 3-point line.

Columbia College Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Carson Parker (17)
Rebounding Leader – Tony Burks (8)
Assist Leader – Cameron Vanleer (4)

William Woods Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Jared Crutcher (17)
Rebounding Leader – Jared Crutcher (7)
Assist Leader – Makenzie Fessler (2)

Up Next:
Columbia hits the court on Tuesday, Feb. 2 when they host William Woods at 7:30 PM.