COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University women's basketball team routed Columbia International University 104-44 on Thursday evening inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.

The Lady Cougars shot 53.8% (42-for-78) from the floor, including hitting 9-of-18 3-point attempts in the route. Zuzanna Rudenko and Emilia Tenbrock each had 22 for CSU. 

"Our defense fueled our offense today for sure," commented head coach Matt Houser. "Our transition game was strong, and it's nice when you can get some easy baskets. The team played great though, especially given the circumstances."

Columbus State (7-5) raced out to a 27-7 lead after the first quarter, thanks to scoring the first 12 points. The Lady Cougars held a 24-3 lead after Kyrstin Bond made a fastbreak layup before CIU scored four of the final seven points to close out the quarter.

The Lady Cougars started the second quarter on a 26-4 run to take a 53-11 lead and to put the game away. CSU was 11-for-17 during the six-minute 39-second spurt, including forcing four turnovers. CIU scored the final six points of the half to go into the break down 53-17.

Coming out of the break, CSU shot 70.6% (12-for-17) during the third quarter as the lead increased to  83-28. CSU scored 20 of the first 25 points of the period with Rudenko leading the way with nine. Kristyn Goshay and Bond each had six in the 10 minutes.

CSU cruised in the fourth quarter to pick up its third home victory of the season.

Amber Abusbeih had 15 points and dished out a season-high nine assists. Chrisalyn Boston had a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Olanna Rawls stuff the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and four steals.

UP NEXT
Columbus State will nearly have a week off before hosting Flagler College on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. inside the Lumpkin Center.

GAME NOTES
• It's the first time CSU eclipsed the 100-point mark since Jan. 25, 2016, when the Lady Cougars scored 103 against the University of Montevallo
• CSU set season-highs in field goals made (42), field goals attempted (78) and assists (28)
• It was Boston's third double-double of the year
• The 22 points for both Rudenko and Tenbrock are career-highs
• CSU had a season-high +15 rebounding advantage (47-32)