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By: Stephen Williams

COLUMBUS – Behind a seventh consecutive 20-point performance from Michelle Mitchell, the 15^th-ranked Columbus State University women's basketball team closed out the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 69-49 victory over Mobile Wednesday afternoon in the Lumpkin Center.
 
Mitchell finished the day with 20 points and 11 rebounds, her third double-double in the last four contests. Junior Gabby Williams stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Ashley Asouzu turned in another double digit rebounding effort with 11 to go along with six points.
 
"We were sloppy at times today, but our defense was strong once again," head coach Jonathan Norton said. "Today was good to knock the rust off from the holiday break before we head back into conference play."
 
It was Mitchell right from the opening tip which began as she imposed her will underneath the basket. The senior missed her first two shots, but rebounded each and finally got the third attempt to go down. The bucket put the Lady Cougars on the board first and CSU would lead from start to finish.
 
Eryn Cochran, Mitchell and Tatiana Wayne all scored off turnovers to create a 6-0 Columbus State (8-1) run midway through the first quarter to stretch the lead to double figures for the first time at 13-3.
 
After back-to-back baskets from the Lady Rams, Wayne connected on her only three of the night and Ashley Johnson scored late in the quarter to put the Lady Cougars up 18-7 after the opening 10 minutes.
 
Mobile (6-5) charged out to start the second quarter scoring the first seven points to get within four (18-14) just two minutes into the period. Columbus State would answer back though, as the Lady Cougars closed the first half on a 14-2 run to hold a 32-16 advantage at the break.
 
Columbus State's lead reached its largest margin of the day midway through the third quarter behind a pair of three-point plays by Williams. The second and-one gave the Lady Cougars a 49-22 edge and allowed CSU to cruise the rest of the way.
 
With a 24-point lead heading to the fourth, Columbus State eased its way to its 22^nd straight home victory. The lead fell inside of 20 points on just a couple occasions as the Lady Rams turned in their best offensive quarter of the day.
 
Columbus State finished the day at 40.8 percent (29-of-71) from the field and made just 4-of-19 three-point attempts. The Lady Cougars turned in a season best 56 rebounds, including 22 on the offensive end that led to 23 second chance points.
 
CSU limited Mobile to 25.4 percent (15-of-59) shooting on the afternoon and 22.7 percent (5-for-22) from beyond the arc. The Lady Rams turned it over 21 times, which turned into 20 CSU points.
 
Columbus State will hit the floor for the first time in 2016 on Saturday, as the Lady Cougars travel to Florence, S.C. to take on Francis Marion. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.