HICKORY, N.C. - The Columbus State University men's basketball team captured a 63-62 victory over Lenoir-Rhyne University Tuesday night inside the Shuford Memorial Arena. The Cougars improve to 3-2 and the Bears fall to 4-2.

CSU and LRU kept the game close throughout all 40 minutes of play. The Cougars outscored the Bears 32-29 in the first half, but Lenoir-Rhyne's offense came out aggressive after the first half, outscoring CSU 33-31.

With just under two minutes left in the game, each team was tied at 59. Nelson Haskin put the Cougars ahead by two with a dunk just over the one minute mark, but 20 seconds later a good layup by LRU tied it again, at 61. The Bears took the lead with a made free-throw, but just seconds later, Black got fouled and headed to the free-throw line. Black made both of his foul shots, securing the Cougar victory.

NOTES:

• Black shot 75 percent (3-for-4) from the free-throw line.
• Joshua Jerome recorded his first double-double, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds.
• Haskin scored six points, grabbed five rebounds, made four steals and shot 75 percent from the floor (3-for-4).
• Lederrius Jones posted five assists.

UP NEXT:
The Cougars will extend their play on the road, taking on Carson-Newman University on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. in Jefferson City, Tenn.