Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College women's basketball team played a well-fought game this evening against No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan, coming short, 77-69.

The Wildcats improve to 3-0, while the Cougars fall to 2-2.

Columbia scored 14 out of their 15 points in the paint in the first quarter. The Cougars led the Wildcats by as many as five points midway through the period (8-3). Indiana Wesleyan took a one-point lead securing a pair of free throws taking the 16-15 advantage heading into the second quarter.

Despite one tie, the Mustangs led the entire second quarter, with a lead as large as eight (34-26). The Cougars got within two reaching the end of the period (34-32).

The Mustangs went on an 8-0 run extending their advantage, (43-36). Columbia had a run of their own, scoring six straight and coming within one with four minutes on the clock (45-44). Heading into the final period, Indiana Wesleyan held a 54-50 edge.

Indiana Wesleyan refused to be stopped as they produced their largest lead of the game (65-55). Columbia took their lead down to five with a layup and free throw from Mackenzie Dubbert with 39 seconds in the final period (74-69). The Wildcats knocked down three free throws to protect their lead and a 77-69 victory.

Key Moment:
After a 3-point field goal by Mackenzie Dubbert cut the Cougars deficit down to three (53-56) with 9:11 remaining, the Wildcats responded with a 9-2 run to increase their lead to double figures (65-55). 

By the Numbers:
44-42 – Columbia produced 44 points in the paint
51-39 – The Cougars shot 51.8 percent from the field
19-5 – The Mustangs recorded 19 second-chance points

Columbia College Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Peyton Crowe - 27
Rebounding Leader – Peyton Crowe / Mallory Shetley / Allison Stiers / Abby Backes - 5
Assist Leader – Mallory Shetley - 5
Steals Leader – Peyton Crowe / Mallory Shetley / Allison Stiers / Clare Shetley - 1

Indiana Wesleyan Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Lilli Frasure - 25
Rebounding Leader – Jordan Reid - 12
Assist Leader – Maddie Lawrence / Lilli Frasure - 2
Steals Leader – Jordan Reid - 3

Socket Player of the Game

• Peyton Crowe – Shot 61 percent from the field, leading the Cougars with 27 points and added five rebounds, two steals, one block, and one steal. 

Up Next:
The Cougars will travel to Culver-Stockton (Mo.) on Tuesday, November 9, at 7:00 p.m.