CHARLESTON, S.C. - Fueled by a 28-point third quarter, the Columbus State University women's basketball team defeated Division I Charleston Southern University 70-58 in an exhibition game Saturday at Buccaneer Fieldhouse. 

Down 29-25 early in the third, the Lady Cougars went on a 14-1 run to move in front and never trailed again to notch the impressive preseason victory. 

Imani Arnold was Columbus State's leading scorer with 19 after going 8-for-13 from the field. The transfer fell one rebound shy of a double-double while picking up two blocks and steals. Graduate-senior Chrisalyn Boston was nearly unstoppable in the paint as she picked up an 18-point, 15-rebound double-double. Boston was also very active on the defensive side of the court with five steals and two blocks. 

The Lady Cougars held a 15-14 lead after the first quarter, but managed only eight points in the second allowing Charleston Southern to take a 25-23 advantage at the break.

After Columbus State went ahead, Charleston Southern didn't go down quietly as the Buccaneers went on a 13-0 run to begin the fourth to tie the game at 51 with less than seven to play. Arnold would then jumpstart the Lady Cougars, completing a three-point play before back-to-back 3-pointers from Emilia Tenbrock and Jurnee Smith iced the victory.

Columbus State shot 38.1% (24-for-63) from the field while holding Charleston Southern to a 32.8% (20-for-61) clip. 

UP NEXT
The Lady Cougars will tip off the regular season at the Southeast Regional Challenge in Newberry, S.C. on Friday, Nov. 12 against Newberry College. Tip time is at 1 p.m.

LADY COUGAR NOTES
• The Lady Cougars dominated the paint, outscoring Charleston Southern 42-22 and winning the rebounding margin 53-38
• Amber Abusbeih was also in double-digits in points with 13. The sophomore had a game-high five assists
• CSU made just three 3-pointers in the game, with two of the three coming down the stretch
• Columbus State was just 55.9% (19-for-34) from the free throw line. Boston (6-for-7) and Olanna Rawls (5-for-6) were bright spots at the charity stripe 
• In the third quarter, CSU shot 52.9% (9-for-17) from the field. In the first half, the Lady Cougars managed just eight made shots from the floor