Columbia, Mo. – Columbia College men's basketball team advances to the semifinals of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Men's Basketball Tournament after defeating Williams Baptist (Ark.) in the quarterfinals, 81-70.

The Eagles came out strong, starting the game on an 8-0 run. The Cougars found their stride and took their first lead of the game at 22-21 on a field goal by Jorge Bueno. The two teams matched each other, before Williams Baptist took a 44-43 lead into the halftime break.

The first ten minutes of the second half were back-and-forth. Columbia was able to push its lead out to 10 (60-50) with 10:18 remaining on the clock. The Eagles battled back with a 10-1 run to close the gap to one-point (61-60). Columbia answered with a 12-0 run to take a 13-point advantage (73-60). Columbia held a double-digit lead the rest of the way and earned the 11-point victory.
 
By the Numbers
40 – Columbia scored 40 points in the paint, compared to 26 by Williams Baptist.
31.8 – After shooting 52.9-percent in the first half, Columbia held the Eagles to 31.8 in the second.
16-20 – Columbia went 16-20 (80.0-percent) from the free throw line.
 
Columbia College Leaders
Scoring Leader – Tony Burks (19)
Rebounding Leader – Tony Burks (10)
Assist Leader – Carson Parker (4)

Health Sciences & Pharmacy Leaders
Scoring Leader – Jaylen Granger (16)
Rebounding Leader – Shackeel Butters (10)
Assist Leader – Rajhon McIntosh (3)
 
Up Next
The Cougars will travel to Batesville, Ark. to take on top-seeded Lyon (Ark.) at 3:00 PM on Saturday.