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By:
Stephen Williams
COLUMBUS – Hosting the NCAA Regional for just the second time in program history, the fourth-ranked and top-seeded Columbus State University women's basketball team starts its NCAA journey on Friday. Tipoff against eighth-seeded Anderson is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the Lumpkin Center.
Last Time Out
Columbus State (28-1) trailed by 11 at halftime, but roared back in the second half for a 76-61 victory over Lander in the Peach Belt Conference tournament championship Sunday.
Ashley Asouzu led five Lady Cougars in double figures with 16 points.
Howard on the Matchup
"At this point in the season, every team still playing is very talented. Anderson has been a strong team on the road this season and we know they won't be intimidated on Friday."
Series History
CSU and Anderson will be meeting for the third time in program history on Friday night. The Trojans have defeated Columbus State in the two previous matchups, both on neutral courts.
Last Meeting
Columbus State and Anderson locked horns in the 2015 NCAA Tournament second round with the Trojans eliminating the Lady Cougars 71-53.
Michelle Mitchell was the lone Lady Cougar in double figures with 23 points.
About Anderson
Anderson (21-6) received an at-large selection into the NCAA Tournament after bowing out of the South Atlantic Conference tournament in the quarterfinal round.
The Trojans are making their 11
th NCAA Tournament appearance and hold a 9-10 all-time record in the postseason.
Anderson excelled on both ends during the regular season, ranking third in the SAC in points per game (72.4) and fourth in opponents' scoring (62.3).
Jasmine Franklin leads three Trojans with double figures in scoring at 11.7 points per game.
CSU Notes
The Lady Cougars are making their 10
th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and their fourth straight.
CSU is 11-9 overall in the tournament and has won at least one game each of the last two seasons.
Columbus State captured its seventh Peach Belt Conference regular season crown this year and added a fifth PBC Tournament title on Sunday.
The Lady Cougars enter the tournament with a 19-game winning streak, the fourth-longest streak currently in Division II.
Media Coverage
Friday night's game will be streamed online on CougarSportsTV.
