COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University men's basketball team will play its final non-conference game of the season on Monday, Jan. 31, against Albany State University. Tip off is at 7 p.m. at the HPER Complex in Albany, Ga. 

LAST TIME OUT
• The Cougars dropped another heartbreaking game on Saturday against Georgia College. With 1.4 seconds left, the Bobcats hit a game-winning 3-pointer for a 69-68 win. Langston Gaither had 17 points for CSU, while Hunter Preston posted a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.

CSU NOTES
• Columbus State (13-6, 5-5 PBC) has played well out of conference, posting an 8-1 record before Monday night
• CSU is 1-2 in games decided by five points or less
• Hunter Preston is averaging 19.3 points and 9.2 rebounds over the last six games while shooting 56.3% from the field
• The Cougars are ninth in the nation (DII level) in total blocks (83), 14th in fewest turnovers per game (10.4) and 18th in free throw percentage (77.8%)
• It's the first time this season CSU has lost back-to-back games

SCOUTING ALBANY STATE
• Albany State (7-13, 5-7 SIAC) won its previous game on Jan. 24, a 94-87 decision over Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. The Golden Rams were scheduled to play Savannah State University on Saturday but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols 
• ASU hasn't won back-to-back games all year
• Jordan Simpson (13.3 ppg, 7.9 reb/g) is a dual-threat for the Golden Rams, while Malik Parker (16.8 ppg) is pacing the team in scoring 
• Simpson is second in the national (DII level) with 12 double-doubles

SERIES HISTORY
• The two sides met last on Dec. 7, 2019, with the Cougars coming away with an 80-68 victory in Columbus. CSU swept the season series that season.