AIKEN, S.C. - A late push wasn't enough as the Columbus State University men's basketball team came up short 75-65 against USC Aiken. The Peach Belt Conference game took place inside the Convocation Center in Aiken, S.C.
Down 14, 64-50, with less than 10 to go, the Cougars (2-4, 2-4 PBC) rattled off nine straight points to pull with five of the Pacers. With just over two to go, CSU would remain down five, 70-65, however, Columbus State wouldn't score for the remainder of the game as USC Aiken (5-2, 4-1) secured the victory.
"We showed some toughness down the stretch, but that alone isn't enough," commented CSU head coach Robert Moore. "We have to play a full game, especially against the top half of the league."
| How It Happened |
| First Half |
Columbus State scored the game's first five points and would remain ahead until a pair of free throws by the Pacers at the 13:34 mark began a 10-3 run giving the hosts a 20-13 margin. The Cougars battled back, eventually tying the game at 23 following a Christian Chambers 3-pointer with 7:11 on the clock. The game would remain tight as Hunter Preston kept the Cougars within one, 31-30, with a layup in the final minute but USC Aiken put some separation between the two sides thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers over the final 11 seconds of the half.
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| Second Half |
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In a six-point game, 46-39, USC Aiken began stretching its lead. An 11-3 Pacer run put the Cougars down by a game-high 15 points, 57-42, with 13:45 to play. During the late comeback attempt, Chambers scored six points during a quick 9-1 run bringing the score to 64-59. Kalen Clifton nailed a jumper with 2:04 to go that made it 70-65, but those would be the final points of the game for the Cougars.
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| Box Score Breakdown |
• Chambers led CSU with 16 points. The freshman scored 13 of the 16 in the second half.
• Preston (13 pts.) and Lorenzo Anderson (10 pts.) were also in double-figures.
• The Cougars shot 34.9% (22-for-63) overall and were 7-for-19 (36.8%) on their 3-point attempts. Preston was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arch.
• USC Aiken used the 3-ball in the opening half going 7-for-16. The Pacers finished the night 9-for-26 from 3-point range.
• CSU won the rebounding margin 48-41. It was the first time this season the Cougars won the rebounding margin, but lost the game.
• It was the second time this year CSU had shot below 35% from the field.
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| Cougar Notes |
• With six blocks against the Pavers, the Cougars have rejected five or more shots in four of the six games this season.
• CSU is 0-2 away from Columbus this season.
• Columbus State still leads the all-time series 31-23 over USC Aiken. |
| Up Next |
| Columbus State will play another road PBC contest on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in Americus, Ga. against Georgia Southwestern University. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with Cougar fans having the opportunity to listen to the game live on 88.5 FM WCUG. |
