COLUMBUS - Down four entering the fourth quarter, the Columbus State University women's basketball team outscored UNC Pembroke 20-4 in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 64-52 victory on Saturday. The Peach Belt Conference game took place inside the Lumpkin Center.

Aujana Dawkins made a jumper six seconds into the fourth quarter jumpstarting a dominating 20-2 run for the Lady Cougars. CSU held UNCP scoreless for over four minutes in two different stretches. 

Jurnee Smith and Kaihla Carter were key in the fourth. Smith had six, including connecting on a three, while Carter had five. 

"Another slow start, but we were limited on offense without LeeAysia [Williamson]," commented head coach Matt Houser." We know we are going to have to start playing better early on in games to keep picking up wins."

"The next one is going to be tough. North Georgia is the top of the class in the Peach Belt and going up there doesn't help things. I know we are capable of picking up the win, but we have to play our best ball."

Carter continued her good play of late with 18 points and three steals. Boston had 12 while grabbing a team-high nine rebounds. Valeria Merlos hit three 3-pointers in the win.

The Lady Cougars shot 33.3 percent (22-for-66) from the floor and 30.8 percent (8-for-26) from three. At the free throw line, CSU was 12-for-16.

Columbus State will look to continue its winning ways on Wednesday, Jan. 15 against No. 10 North Georgia. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside the Convocation Center in Dahlonega, Ga.
 

Play-by-Play

First Half

It was a slow start for both sides as Columbus State didn't score its first basket until the 6:48 mark when Jurnee Smith hit a jumper to tie the game at two. The shots started to fall from there with both sides hitting threes, including one for Merlos to tie the game at seven around the midway point of the quarter. However, from there, UNC Pembroke doubled-up the Lady Cougars to take an 18-11 lead after the opening 10 minutes. Early in the second, UNCP capped off an 11-2 run with 7:24 showing on the clock o move in front 22-11. Following a timeout from Columbus State, the Lady Cougars started their comeback. Three consecutive trifectas, two from Carter and another from Merlos, quickly cut the deficit to 28-24. The run continued with a Dawkins layup and Merlos' sharpshooting as the Lady Cougars used a 14-4 stretch to go in front 29-28 before the halftime horn.

Second Half

It was a back-and-forth third quarter with neither team having a larger lead than six. Before three minutes were off the clock, the score changed hands five times. Carter continued her hot shooting with another 3-pointer to make it 34-32 before six straight points by the Braves put the visitors back on top. UNCP lead for the remainder of the quarter, including going up six on multiple occasions. However, CSU didn't let the game get away as Aryan Dozier scored the final bucket of the quarter to cut the score to 48-44 heading into the fourth. Just a minute into the fourth, Columbus State tied the game at 48 before continuing a quick 7-0 run to move ahead 53-48. After UNCP broke the scoreless drought, Smith hit a three as Columbus State started to pull away. CSU scored the game's next 11 points to go on for the 64-52 victory.

 

Inside the Numbers

• With the win, Columbus State is now 9-2 overall and 4-1 in PBC action. CSU has also won three straight. • CSU had 24 second-chance points compared to just 12 from the Braves. • Kaihla Carter and Valeria Merlos combined to hit seven of CSU's eight 3-pointers.  • Columbus State committed just 12 turnovers. It was the fewest in a game for CSU since Dec. 18 against USC Aiken. The Lady Cougars forced 21 UNCP errors. • Over the last two fourth quarters, CSU has outscored its opponents 41-17. • It was the second straight game that the Lady Cougars failed to score 30 points before halftime.  • Columbus State has now won 10 straight over UNC Pembroke.