COLUMBUS - The Columbus State University men's basketball team suffered defeat at the hands of Young Harris College 69-54 on Wednesday night. The Cougars fall to 9-6 on the season and 2-3 in PBC play. Young Harris, on the other hand, improves to 13-1 and 4-1 PBC play. 

A back-and-fourth first half was full of great shots, great hustle and some good defense. Kalen Clifton got the Cougars going as he had the hot hand early. He drove to the paint and finished strong at the rim while getting fouled in which he cashed in the free-throw for the three point play. Then on consecutive trips on offense, Clifton was money hitting three straight three-pointers. Columbus State would go on to shoot 42 percent from the floor for the rest of the half and converted on all their free-throws. They would lead at half 32-31.

The start of the second half was more of the first, back-and-fourth. Daniel Melvin had another great night for CSU as he finished with 15 points which lead the Cougars. Karl Chavis caught fire for the Mountain Lions and was their go-to-guy anytime they needed a bucket and would finish with 27 points. 11 minutes into the half, YHC began to get hot from everywhere and from anyone. It seemed as if they scored on every possession from there on out, hitting tough shot after tough shot. They went on to finish the game with 48 percent shooting and finished with exactly 30 percent from 3-point range. 
 
NOTES:
- CSU scored a season low 54 points
- Kalen Clifton finished with a season-high of 14 points
- CSU tied a season-low in free-throws attempted (3)
- Joshua Jerome led the Cougars in rebounds (9)

UP NEXT:
Columbus State will look to bounce back on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 3:30 p.m. against Augusta University. The Cougars will look to avenge a 65-83 loss against the Jaguars earlier in the season. Augusta is currently riding a nine game winning streak.