COLUMBIA, Mo. - The (RV) Columbia College men's basketball team improved to 9-1 overall and 1-0 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) with a gritty 59-54 victory over Williams Baptist on Wednesday night at home, holding off a determined second-half comeback by the visiting Eagles.

The Cougars controlled the tempo in the first half, shooting 36.4 percent from the field while limiting Williams Baptist to just 25 percent. Columbia built a comfortable 29-19 halftime advantage behind 11 points from Caleb Jones, who was efficient at 5-of-8 from the floor. The lead grew to 12 points at 31-19 early in the second half before Williams Baptist found its rhythm.

The Eagles (7-1, 0-1 AMC) stormed back in the second half, shooting 40 percent from the field and outscoring Columbia 35-30 over the final 20 minutes. A 16-4 run cut the Cougar lead to 40-34 midway through the period, and Williams Baptist continued applying pressure, pulling within three points on multiple occasions in the final minutes. Columbia's offense went cold, managing just 29.4 percent shooting in the second half, but timely free throws and strong defensive rebounding helped preserve the victory.

Jones finished with a game-high 15 points and six rebounds to pace Columbia. Jemeal Goines posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds despite struggling at the free-throw line (2-of-7). Johnny Anderson contributed seven points and 10 boards, and the front court trio combined to dominate the glass as Columbia held a decisive 48-39 rebounding advantage.

Columbia capitalized on Williams Baptist's 15 turnovers, converting them into 16 points, while the Eagles managed just 10 points off Columbia's 13 turnovers. The Cougars' bench contributed 15 points, led by Marcelous Phillips' eight.

Columbia continues AMC play at home on December 6 taking on Crowley's Ridge College (Ark.) at 3:00 p.m.