COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University men's basketball team jumped out to a 17-2 lead and never looked back as the Cougars defeated Morehouse College 77-66 on Monday night inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.

CSU (3-0) held Morehouse to a 30.8% (8-for-26) mark over the first half, helping the Cougars build the early advantage.

"It's always nice to grab an early lead and to steal away the momentum," commented head coach Robert Moore. "We still became lackadaisical at a few points today, but we will take a win against a talented team in Morehouse.  

Despite the slow start, MC (0-1) inched within one before halftime, thanks to a 20-6 run midway through the half. However, back-to-back buckets from Langston Gaither and Hunter Preston broke the spurt and helped Columbus State take a 32-24 lead into the break.

A Tavares Oliver Jr. jumper pulled the Maroon Tigers within six, 41-35, with 15:27 left in the game before a quick 8-3 run by CSU pushed the lead into double-digits. After the two sides exchanged buckets, the Cougars put the game away, putting together a 16-2 run to move in front 70-44. Five different players scored in the spurt, including Preston with five. 

Morehouse was able to cut into the deficit before the final buzzer. 

Gaither had another impressive night for the Cougars, scoring 25 points after an 8-for-13 shooting performance. He was 4-for-7 from 3-point range and also added six rebounds and four assists. 

Nelson Haskin stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, six rebounds, four blocks and three steals. Preston added seven points, eight rebounds and five assists. 

As a team, Columbus State shot 49.2% (29-for-59) from the floor. 

UP NEXT
Columbus State will look to start the year 4-0 on Saturday when the Cougars travel to take on The University of Alabama in Huntsville at 4 p.m. 

GAME NOTES
• Gaither has scored at least 20 points in all three games this season. Dating back to last season with Francis Marion Univesity, the transfer has scored 20 or more in 12 out of his last 14 games
• The five assists for Preston was a career-high
• The Cougars outscored MC 15-0 in fast break points
• CSU was 5-for-11 from 3-point range in the second half. Overall, the Cougars shot 36% (9-for-25) from deep
• It was the first time this season that CSU was out-rebounded (41-39)
• CSU now leads the all-time series 13-4 over Morehouse after winning the first meeting between the two schools since the 2006-07 season