COLUMBUS - On an emotional night, the Columbus State University men's basketball fell 75-67 to No. 25 Flagler College on Wednesday night. The Peach Belt Conference game took place inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.

In CSU's first game since the tragic death of Anthony Moore, FC doubled up the Cougars late to pull out the victory.

"This was obviously a very difficult night for our guys," commented head coach Robert Moore. "I want to thank Flagler for their class and all of Cougar nation for showing their support for our guys.

"On the court, our shots just didn't fall, and be sure to give Flagler credit for executing their game plan."

Columbus State (9-3, 1-2 PBC) held the lead for the majority of the night in a game that saw eight ties and five lead changes. CSU stormed out of the gates, scoring 12 of the game's first 14 points to take the only double-digit lead of the night. 

FC started to chip away at the lead, eventually tying the game at 20 after a quick 8-0 run. The Saints took their first lead at the 3:57 mark moving in front 27-25. However, the Cougars closed the first on an 8-2 to go into the break up 33-29.

The Saints didn't grab command of things until the midway point of the second. After Grant Howard tied the game at 44 with 12:23 to play, FC scored eight of the next 10 points to inch ahead 52-46. 

The Cougars had fight though. Needing a big basket, Langston Gaither nailed a 3-pointer while drawing a foul to tie the game at 54 with under eight to play. After the two sides exchanged 3's, FC again strung together a run, this time a 7-2 spurt to grab a 64-59 lead.

CSU pulled with four during the final minute, but FC was able to hold on for the win.

Gaither had 25 points for the Cougars to go along with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Hunter Preston had nine points and nine rebounds. 

As a team, Columbus State shot 34.4% (21-for-61), but was just 4-for-21 (19%) from beyond the arc. 

Jaizec Lottie scored 30 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to pace Flagler. Jalen Barr had seven points, 10 rebounds, four blocks and three steals.

FC shot 46.8% (29-for-62), including going 9-for-30 (30%) on its 3-point attempts. 

UP NEXT
Columbus State will host Clayton State University on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 3:30 p.m. 

GAME NOTES
• The Cougars set a season-high in free throws made (21) and free throws attempted (30)
• CSU also tied a season-high with 43 rebounds. The Cougars also had 43 boards against the University of Mount Olive
• It was the fourth 20+ point game for Gaither this season
• CSU's 19% mark from 3-point range was a season-low
• Columbus State moves to 2-1 against nationally-ranked opponents this season