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By:
Josh Fuller
COLUMBUS – After a 3-0 start to the season, the Columbus State University men's basketball team will look to stay perfect on the year as they face off against Fort Valley State on Wednesday evening. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. inside the HPE Basketball Arena in Fort Valley, Ga.
Last Time Out
Competing in the PBC-SIAC Challenge hosted by Montevallo, the Cougars outlasted Lane 81-78 November 19. Lane had two late attempts to tie the game, but both went awry allowing Columbus State to escape with the win. Four CSU players scored in double figures led by
Darius Joell's 22.
Rudy Winters and
JaCori Payne each had 18 while
Marcus Dixon posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Series History
Columbus State and Fort Valley have renewed their rivalry over the past few years. CSU holds an 18-5 all-time mark against the Wildcats, including a perfect 11-0 record since 1976. The two teams didn't meet last season.
Last Meeting
The last meeting between the two programs came on December 8, 2014 inside the Lumpkin Center as the Cougars raced by Fort Valley State 95-75. Former All-PBC players DeAngelo Kirkland and Kenney Funderburk led the way with 20 and 19 points, respectively.
Moore on Matchup
"It's been a few days since the guys have seen game action, so we have to come out and be prepared to play. Fort Valley always has talent and they have played a tough schedule, so they are going to bring it to us. It's going to be a challenge because it is so hard playing inside their place."
About Fort Valley State
The Wildcats are currently 1-3 and haven't played since November 21 as they lost a 118-101 shootout at Savannah State. It was the only game this season that FVSU has played away from Fort Valley.
Fort Valley State's lone win came against PBC member Georgia Southwestern on November 14. The Wildcats forced 19 turnovers to edge GSW 66-59.
Jalen Crawford has been great so far this season for the Wildcats as he is averaging 16.5 points per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field. Jaylon McMillan comes off the bench to score 12.5 points per game.
Denard Williams leads Fort Valley State in rebounds grabbing 7.8 boards per game.
As a team, FVSU has a plus-5.2 turnover margin, forcing 17.5 per game.
CSU Notes
This is the third consecutive season that Columbus State has begun the season 3-0, dating back to the 2014-15 season.
The Cougars have outscored their opponents by 26 points in the second half in just three games this season.
CSU currently has four players averaging over 10 points per game. Winters averages 18.3 points, while Joell is right behind him averaging 18 points a night. The pair are the only PBC teammates to be averaging over 18 points per game.
Dixon's double-double against Lane was the first of his career. The 12 points and 12 rebounds were also career highs for the junior. Dixon is currently averaging 10.7 boards per game.
Despite shooting just 22.1 percent from three this season, overall CSU is shooting a respectable 44.3 percent as a team.
Media Coverage
Wednesday's game will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 540 WDAK with CSU Hall of Fame broadcaster Scott Miller on the call.
