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By: Josh Fuller

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – In the first game of the Anita Howard era, the Columbus State University women's basketball team rolled to an 80-56 victory over Albany State in the annual PBC/SIAC Challenge. The challenge is being hosted by Fort Valley State.
 
The Lady Cougars trailed for just 51 seconds in the game as Albany State scored the opening basket of the game. CSU's defense was strong forcing 27 turnovers as well as collecting 12 steals and seven blocks.
 
"I was really pleased in how we started the game," stated Howard. "Anytime you can jump on your opponent, it puts so much stress on them and allows your team to relax and play your game."
 
Alexis Carter and Britteny Tatum each scored for 20 points for the Lady Cougars. Carter record a double-double with 10 rebounds and had seven blocks. Tatum was 7-for-14 from the floor and also had eight rebounds. Gabby Williams had seven assists, while Tatiana Wayne added 10.
 
Columbus State (1-0) dominated the first quarter outscoring the Golden Rams 20-9. After allowing the opening basket of the game, CSU's defense stifled Albany State, not allowing another field goal until the 2:34 mark in the quarter, a span of seven minutes and 14 seconds. During that time, the Lady Cougars built up a 16-8 lead, thanks to an 11-1 run. Narshanda Malone had five of the 11 points for CSU, including hitting a three-pointer.
 
Carter scored the final five points of the quarter for Columbus State, including finishing off a three-point play, giving the Lady Cougars a 21-9 lead after one.
 
The first points of the second quarter didn't come until the 8:17 mark when Erin Morrow drained a three to extend the lead to 23-9. Britteny Tatum stretched the lead to 16 (25-9) almost one minute later thanks to a layup.
 
Albany State (0-3) closed the gap a little before the half, scoring the final five points of the quarter to make it a 38-26 CSU lead at the break.
 
Like it did in the first, Columbus State controlled the pace of play in the third quarter beginning the third on a 23-0 run to take full command of the game. The Lady Cougars once again held the Golden Rams off the scoreboard for nearly seven minutes forcing four ASU turnovers. Tatum and Carter fueled the run with eight points apiece, while three other Lady Cougars contributed in the run.
 
After Albany State broke the run, Tatum nailed a three to give CSU a 64-28 lead with just 3:04 left in the third. The 36-point lead was the largest of the game for the Lady Cougars. A Wayne jumper with 19 seconds left gave CSU a 66-37 lead heading into the fourth.

Albany State put together an 8-0 run midway in the fourth to cut the deficit to 70-48, but five straight points from Tatum pushed the Lady Cougar lead back out to 75-48. CSU coasted for the final three minutes taking the game 80-56.
 
As a team, CSU shot 38 percent (30-for-79) and was 5-for-21 from three. The Lady Cougars outrebounded Albany State 56-48.