Box Score AUGUSTA, Ga. - The Columbus State University men's basketball team defeated the North Georgia Nighthawks 74-69 in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Quarterfinals Thursday, March 2 inside the Christenberry Fieldhouse on Augusta University's campus. The Cougars move to 16-13 (8-10 PBC) and advance to the Semifinals on March 3 against Augusta.

The story of the night was the fight and determination of the Cougars through out the game. After losing both regular season games to the Nighthawks, Columbus State was hungry for a conference tournament upset. CSU didn't see the lead until 15 minutes left in the second half but had pressure on North Georgia all game.

Demierre Black was outstanding tonight and the only thing on his mind was a Cougar win. Black exploded for a season-high and a career-high 27 points as he went a perfect 100 percent from the three-point line and was 12 for 16 from the field tonight. He led all players tonight in scoring as he also added three rebounds, three assist, and two steals. 

Daniel Melvin had 11 points tonight and every single three-pointer couldn't have come at better times as he stopped the UNG momentum multiple times. Grant Howard had a great showing as he contributed 10 points and Jehloni James had a great night on both ends of the floor as he added nine points and caused chaos on defense. CSU had the fourth most rebounds allowed by UNG all season (39) and they were able to ice the game on two made free-throws by the trusty Lederrius Jones.

NOTES:
- Daniel Melvin has double-digit points in 9 of his last 11 games
- Nelson Haskin's has 11 games on the season with 9 or more rebounds
- This is Demierre Black's 10th double-digit point game of the season

UP NEXT:
Columbus State has advanced to the PBC Final Four for the second year in a row and will face the second-seeded Augusta University on Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Augusta.