COLUMBUS - Behind a strong second half effort from Lander, the Columbus State University women's basketball dropped a 92-78 decision to Lander on Saturday. The Peach Belt Conference contest took place inside the Lumpkin Center.

Trailing by only three at the break, the Bearcats opened up a nine-point advantage into the third quarter before gaining a double-digit lead for the majority of the fourth quarter. 

"Give Lander all the credit today," commented head coach Matt Houser. "They played an excellent second half and we dug ourselves into a hole with sloppy play."

"When you are playing against some of the best competition in the region, you have to bring your A game, and I don't think we did that tonight. We will enjoy this break before getting back at it at practice."

Chrisalyn Boston and LeeAysia Williamson each scored 22 points for Columbus State. In the career-best performance, Boston went a perfect 10-for-10 from the field with 12 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Aujana Dawkins posted her first double-double of the year with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

For the game, the Lady Cougars shot 35.6 percent (26-for-73) from the field and were just 4-for-14 on 3-point attempts. At the free throw line, CSU shot 78.6 percent (22-for-28). 

Columbus State will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 4 when Francis Marion visits Columbus. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m. inside the Lumpkin Center. 
 

Play-by-Play

First Half

It was a very competitive first quarter as neither side held a lead larger than three points. The lead changed hands four times during the first 10 minutes of action as Lander held a 17-14 lead following a three-point play towards the end of the quarter. The Bearcats held on to the lead to begin the second quarter until a 6-0 CSU run put the Lady Cougars in front 22-21 lead with 6:25 showing on the clock. The two sides exchanged buckets from there while a three-point play from Boston put CSU ahead 29-28 with just under two minutes to play. However, it would be the last time Columbus State would have the lead as Lander used a late 7-2 spurt to take a 36-33 lead at the break.

Second Half

Columbus State kept things tight in the third quarter. The Lady Cougars cut the lead to one on multiple occasions, including at the 5:28 mark after Williamson nailed a three. In a 48-45 game, Lander used a 7-1 run to go in front 55-46 with under two minutes to play. The Lady Cougars were able to cut the deficit to four in the final minute until the Bearcats scored the final four points of the quarter to grab a 59-51 lead. By the 8:30 minute mark in the fourth quarter, Lander held a 66-53 advantage as the Bearcats scored seven of the first nine points of the period. Columbus State wasn't able to cut into the margin for the remainder of the game falling 92-78.

 

Inside the Numbers

• Columbus State is now 6-2 on the year and 1-1 inside Peach Belt Conference action. Lander improves to 7-3 and 2-0 in conference play. • It's the first time this season that two players recorded double-doubles for Columbus State this season (Boston, Dawkins).  • Columbus State tied a season-high in turnovers with 23. • It's the fourth game that LeeAysia Williamson has scored 20 or more points this season. • Lander's bench outscored CSU's 25-7.  • Columbus State has now had 10 or more steals in every game this season. • It was the third game that CSU has made four or fewer three's. CSU is now 1-2 in those outings.