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By: Stephen Williams

COLUMBUS – Kicking off the 2017 calendar year, the 19^th-ranked Columbus State University women's basketball team will play host to UNC Pembroke on Wednesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the Lumpkin Center.
 
Last Time Out
 
Columbus State (7-0, 2-0 PBC) put together an 18-0 run early in the first quarter and never looked back in an 86-44 win over Auburn Montgomery on New Year's Eve. Britteny Tatum led all scorers with a season-high 22 points, while Ashley Asouzu recorded a monster double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds.
 
Howard on the Matchup
 
"UNC Pembroke is a very good team. They already have two good wins in conference play, so we must come ready to play."
 
Series History
 
The two programs will be meeting for the 35^th time on Wednesday night. Columbus State holds a 28-6 edge overall, including four straight wins.
 
Last Meeting
 
The Lady Cougars eased past UNCP 60-45 on December 17, 2015 in the Lumpkin Center. The 45 points were the fewest allowed by CSU against a conference opponent last season. Michelle Mitchell led the way with 20 points on the night.
 
About UNC Pembroke
 
UNC Pembroke (7-3, 2-1) comes to Columbus off a six-point victory over Augusta on Monday night.
 
The Braves' seven wins are already just three shy of the season total from each of the past two years.
 
UNCP ranks among the conference leaders in three-point shooting, knocking down 6.7 per game at a 32.4 percent clip.
 
Seniors Jasmine Huntely and Jonissa Monley lead the Braves in scoring at 10.8 and 10.3 points per night, respectively.
 
CSU Notes
 
Six undefeated teams have fallen in the last week and the Lady Cougars are now one of just six teams without a blemish in Division II.
 
CSU held Auburn Montgomery to just 22.2 percent shooting on Saturday, the fifth time this season the Lady Cougars have limited the opposition to 25 percent or less.
 
After Saturday's performance, Columbus State is back to the top spot in the country in field goal defense, holding opponents to just 29.1 percent from the field.
 
Ashley Asouzu turned in her fifth double-double in seven games on Saturday. The senior is averaging 13.6 points and 10.4 rebounds this season.
 
Media Coverage
 
Wednesday's game will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 540 WDAK and streamed on CougarSportsTV with CSU Hall of Fame broadcaster Scott Miller on the call.