NEWBERRY, S.C. - The Columbus State University women's basketball team outscored Newberry College 35-18 over the second half to secure a 56-39 season-opening win on Friday. The game was a part of the Southeast Regional Challenge hosted by Newberry at Eleazer Arena.

After heading into the locker room tied at 21, CSU (1-0) scored 16 of the first 18 points of the third quarter to race in front 37-23. The Lady Cougar defense flexed its muscles during the stretch, forcing five Newberry turnovers leading to 11 points.

Columbus State's lead dipped below double-digits when Courtney Virgo hit a 3-pointer to make it 44-35 with 7:45 left to play. However, a quick 9-0 run by the Lady Cougars, fueled by five points from Alycia Reese and four from Olonna Rawls, allowed CSU to pull away. 

Chrisalyn Boston had an efficient performance for Columbus State, leading the team with 14 points and nine rebounds after going 7-for-11 from the floor. Rawls was the only other CSU player in double figures in points with 12. 

Newberry (0-1) had the momentum early, jumping out to a 6-0 lead. The Wolves never relinquished the lead over the opening quarter and held a 19-11 advantage with 6:42 to go in the second. From there, Columbus State took over. CSU scored 10 of the final 12 points of the half to erase the deficit and go into the break tied. Boston scored six of the 10 points for CSU.

As a team, Columbus State shot 36.7% (22-for-60), but struggled from 3-point range (16.7%, 2-for-12) and the free throw line (45.5%, 10-for-22). CSU limited Newberry to just a 26.8% (15-for-56) shooting mark.

UP NEXT
Columbus State will stay in Newberry for a neutral-site matchup with Mars Hill University on Saturday. Tipoff is at noon in Eleazer Arena. 

Game Notes
• The 39 points were the fewest points Columbus State has allowed since Feb. 15, 2015. That day, the Lady Cougars held Young Harris College to a Peach Belt Conference record 28 points
• Columbus State outscored Newberry 38-16 in the paint and had 16 second-chance points compared to four despite being out-rebounded 47-39
• Rawls tied a career-high with five steals
• CSU forced 37 turnovers, the most for the program since also having 37 against Fort Valley State University on Nov. 19, 2016
• Newberry shot just 20.69% (6-for-29) in the second half 
• The Lady Cougars have now won the last 12 season-openers
• CSU now leads the all-time series 3-0 over Newberry. It was the first meeting between the teams since the 2005-06 season