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COLUMBUS – The Columbus State University men's basketball team falls for the second time in a row in the Lumpkin Center as UNC Pembroke comes away with a 95-81 win.
Senior DeMarcus McVay led the way for the Cougars putting up 18 points and seven rebounds with Bryant Givens adding in 16 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. The Cougars held a double-digit lead with 13 minutes remaining in the game but unfortunately couldn't quite hang on as the Braves came storming back.
"Credit to UNC Pembroke for their strong effort on the glass tonight," head coach Robert Moore said. "We knew they were tough inside and we fought hard but unfortunately our lack of depth got us as we slowed down in the second half."
Columbus State shot lights out in the first half from the 3-point line making 8-of-13, including Jalen Thomas who went 4-for-4 to give himself 14 points at the break. The hot shooting slowed down in the second half for the Cougars as they only made one more 3-pointer in the final 20 minutes of the game. Roles reversed as it was the Braves who then put up eight from behind the arc themselves to race in front of the Cougars.
Columbus State proceeded to take back the lead with 6:26 remaining off a fast break dunk from Landrius Horton. But UNC Pembroke then went on an 18-2 run over the next five minutes to come away with the win.
The Cougars shot 45.8 percent (33-for-72) from the field and went 9-of-22 from the 3-point line.
Columbus State hosts Francis Marion Wednesday, December 19 in the Lumpkin Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
