Like Columbus State Athletics on Facebook!
Tweet #GoCSU

By: Josh Fuller

Columbus – Looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses, the Columbus State University men's basketball team will head to Montevallo to face the Falcons Saturday. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. in Trustmark Arena.
 
Last Time Out
 
Columbus State struggled Wednesday losing 100-70 to Clayton State. The Lakers outscored the Cougars 17-2 over the final six-plus minutes of the first half to build a commanding lead. Arben Camaj scored a team-best 15, while Ryan Burnett and John Lambert added 13 and 12, respectively.
 
Moore on the Matchup
 
"We beat Montevallo in a tough game in Columbus a few weeks ago, so they are going to be looking for revenge. They have been playing better of late and we are both fighting for position in the standings so its an very important game."
 
Series History
 
Despite CSU's win against the Falcons earlier in the season, Montevallo still holds a 23-8 all-time record against the Cougars. However, the Cougars have won back-to-back games against UM for the first time in series history.
 
Last Meeting
 
Columbus State used a 16-3 run in the second half to break away from Montevallo for a 90-76 win on Jan. 25. With 15 minutes to go, the Cougars' lead was just three before CSU's defense fueled the long run. JaCori Payne had 28, while four other Cougars scored in double figures. Marcus Dixon finished with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.

About Montevallo
 
After dropping three straight, Montevallo (16-7, 10-6 PBC) has turned things around. The Falcons defeated Georgia College 64-61 Wednesday to win their fourth in a row.
 
The Falcons now sit atop the Peach Belt Conference West Division, a half game ahead of North Georgia.
 
Javonte Douglas is one of the top candidates for PBC Player of the Year as the forward is averaging 23.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He leads the conference in both categories. Prior to Wednesday, Douglas had scored over 20 points in six straight games.
 
Montevallo is one of the best defensive teams in the conference allowing just 69.2 points per game. They also limited their opponents to just 41.6 percent shooting from the floor.
 
CSU Notes
 
Columbus State (16-7, 9-7) will be looking to avoid its first three-game losing streak of the year after having its 15-game home regular season winning streak snapped Wednesday.
 
The Cougars are currently in third in the PBC West, a game behind Montevallo for first. However, CSU, Clayton State, Georgia College and Young Harris all have seven conference losses.
 
Camaj is not only one of the league's best shot blockers with 47 rejections this year, but he also ranks eighth in the league shooting 44.1 percent from 3-point range this season. The senior is just nine blocks shy of the leader in the PBC.
 
The Cougar defense has been solid this season defending the 3-point shot. CSU is limiting its opponents to 31.1 percent from 3, the third-best mark in the PBC.
 
Media Coverage
 
Saturday's game will be broadcast live on NewsRadio 540 WDAK with CSU Hall of Fame broadcaster Scott Miller on the call.