Columbia, MO – The Columbia College women's basketball team played host to the Eagles of Williams Baptist University today in American Midwest Conference action.
 
With both teams entering the contest with perfect marks in conference play, the highly anticipated matchup was full of energy from start to finish.
 
The Cougars started fast and used an early 10-0 scoring run to take a 14-5 lead, forcing the Eagles to take their first timeout with under three minutes to play. WBU struggling offensively and went 2-13 in the closing minutes of the first quarter as the Cougars led 19-9 heading into the second quarter.
 
WBU's offense started to pick up in the second quarter as they outscored Columbia 22-19. Despite shooting 50% in the second quarter, the Cougars gave up seven turnovers that allowed the Eagles to push points in transition.
 
Leading 38-31 at the start of the third, Mallory Shetley and Tori Rubel scored on the first two possessions to extend the Cougar lead to double-digits, 43-33, but a three-pointer from the Eagles cut the deficit to single digits again. The Eagles went 7 of 8 from the field and took their first lead of the game at 47-46. Both teams traded points until a three-pointer from Lauren Friedrich put the Cougars back in the lead, 55-53 with under one minute to play. As time expired, Friedrich made one of two free throws and the Cougars trailed 59-58.
 
Columbia used a 12-2 scoring run early in the fourth quarter and led 72-65 as Williams Baptist burned another timeout. The Cougar defense held the Eagles to 0 of 6 from the field for four a half minutes. With under two minutes to play, the Cougar defense worked hard and continue to earn multiple stops on defense to hold the Eagles scoreless until a layup from Carmen Taylor cut the deficit to 74-69 with 36-second left to play. Lexi Miller made two free throws to put the Cougars up 76-69, as the Eagles called another timeout. As time expired, the Cougars held on for the 77-69 win.
 
Lexi Miller led the Cougars with 17 points as Mallory Shetley followed with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Mya Miller also finished with a double-double of 13 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Lauren Friedrich was in double-digits with 11 points and seven rebounds, and Abby Backes totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, and dive assists.