COLUMBUS - The Columbus State men's basketball team drops a close one to North Georgia at home on Saturday afternoon. The 60-55 loss drops the Cougars to 9-9 on the season and 2-6 in conference play. The Nighthawks clinched a spot in the playoffs with this win, which moves them to 13-2 on the year and 6-1 in PBC play. 

The Cougars came out firing 40 percent from the floor in the first half and were giving North Georgia fits all game on defense. CSU totaled seven blocked shots which was their second highest total of the season and had eight steals to disrupt UNG on offense. Nelson Haskin played a huge part on defense as he had a season high of six blocks. Nelson also had a season high 12 rebounds as well as 11 points in a double-double effort. 

Marcellious Lockett kept the Cougars in the game as he led them in three-point field goals made as he set a season-high of 10 points. He would also add four rebounds and three assists. 

NOTES: 
- forced UNG to their third highest turnover total
- blocked more UNG shots than any other team this season
- held UNG to their second lowest point toal of the season
- forced UNG to shoot a season low .150 percent from three-point range
- held UNG to their second lowest shooting percentage of the season (.339)

UP NEXT:
The Cougars will travel to Americus, Ga. to take on the Hurricanes of Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday, Jan. 25. CSU and GSW will both look to get back in the win column after losing their last times out.