ALBANY, Ga. - Led by a dominating performance from Cam Paulding, the Columbus State University men's basketball team picked up a 67-55 victory on the road against Albany State. The nonconference game took place at the ASU West Campus Arena in Albany, Ga.

Bryant Givens paced the Cougars in scoring with 16 while Landrius Horton (13), Paulding (12), and Jalen Thomas (10) were all in double figures. 

Paulding was a monster on the glass grabbing a career-high 14 rebounds. He was very efficient from the floor going 5-for-7.

"We have so many talented guys on the roster," added head coach Robert Moore. "It's so fun to watch them play because you don't know who is going to have that big game for you every night, and that's what I like about this team so far this year."

The Cougars shot 49 percent (25-for-51) from the floor while hitting six of their 18 3-point attempts. 

Columbus State will be right back in action on Saturday hosting Xavier (Louisiana) in the Lumpkin Center in the home opener. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.
 

Play-by-Play

First Half

The Cougars didn't waste any time jumping out to a 14-5 lead less than six minutes into the game. Givens had five in the early going. However a quick 8-0 run by Albany State made it a one possession game. The game of runs continued as Columbus State opened up the largest lead of the game after a dominating 12-0 spurt to go in front 30-17. Horton was key scoring seven of his 13 points over the six-minute stretch. CSU would take a 37-28 lead into halftime.

Second Half

Albany State wouldn't go away early in the second half. The Golden Rams cut it to 40-36 at the 15:43 minute before the Cougars thwarted that rally. ASU would continue to fight and was finally able to make it to a one possession game (51-48) following a 3-point play by Randy McClure at the 6:32 mark. Like they did all game, the Cougars answered. A 3-pointer from L. Horton and a monster dunk by Anthony Moore made it 56-48. Following a tip-in from Paulding, another made 3-point, this time by Givens, iced the game for the Cougars.

 

Inside the Numbers

• Columbus State improved to 2-1 while Albany State is now 1-3. • CSU committed a season-high 20 turnovers leading to 24 points for the Golden Rams. • It was Paulding's first double-double in a Cougar uniform. • Paulding also set career-highs in points and rebounds. • The Cougars won the rebounding margin 37-26. • CSU never trailed in the contest. • The Cougars picked up 10 steals on the night. In all three games this season, CSU has tallied at least 10 steals. • Through three games, L. Horton (58.3 percent) and Givens (46.7 percent) are both shooting over 45 percent on 3-point attempts.