COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus State University Men's Basketball opens the regular season on Friday night at the Hampton Inn & Suites and Tru by Hilton 45 Second Classic hosted by Barton College (N.C.).
 
The Cougars are set to tip-off the 2024-25 campaign in Wilson, N.C., taking on the hosts for a 7 p.m. ET matchup in Wilson Gymnasium. Columbus State has opened against Barton for four straight seasons and will face the Bulldogs for the fifth all-time meeting, grasping a 4-0 record.
 
Thoughts from Coach Moore
 
"The team is really excited about the upcoming season," Head Coach Robert Moore stated.  "We have a lot of experience returning, so guys know the expectations are very high."
 
Columbus State is poised for a deep run this season, leaning on a mix of in-house experience as well as talented upperclassmen transfers that will compete right away. The reliance on experience was evident early in preseason as the Cougars took on several teams in scrimmages and an exhibition.
 
"I was very impressed during the preseason with our ability to guard on the defensive side of the court," Moore added. "Nevertheless, on the offensive side you can play multiple guys at different positions."
 
"We have four starters back along with veteran guards, Joshua Guilford and Roman Son that have been in the grind of the Peach Belt, while adding additional experience in Rakiem Gary, Harp Hunter, and Jordan Mitchell."
 
While experience has been key for Moore and his staff, making sure to tie in pieces with less experience has been a focal point as well. Implementing redshirt freshmen and true freshmen will be important for the Cougars to establish healthy depth on the bench.
 
"The biggest surprise of the preseason has been freshman Masiah Jones," Moore stated. "His ability to block shots, rebound, and score go along well with the included threat of our outside shooter in redshirt freshman Jackson Harris."
 
Time for Tip-Off
 
Columbus State will ready up for the opening weekend after a solid preseason performance. The Cougars capped off the season's preparations on Monday with an exhibition vs LDC Ignite where four players gathered double-digit points.
 
Adderton led the way with 21 points followed by James with 12 and Gary and Guilford with 11 points each. As a team, CSU shoot for 44.8% (30-of-67) from the field, 41.7% (10-of-24) from three, and 85% (17-of-20) from the foul line.
 
Defensively, Columbus State took advantage of 15 turnovers from LDC Ignite and scored 19 points off the miscues from the guests. Son and Guilford led with three steals each while four individuals recorded a block each.
 
A Blast from the Past
 
Last season, Columbus State went 2-0 at the 45 Second Classic to open the 2023-24 campaign and defeated Barton 82-70 in the season opener with the trio of Jarrett Adderton, Jehloni James, and Wisdom Uboh all tallying double figures.
 
CSU followed with an 89-66 victory over Mount Olive (N.C.) a season ago and take on the Trojans on Saturday morning this season. The Cougars are 3-1 against Mount Olive, beating the Trojans for three-consecutive seasons.
 
Scouting Barton & Mount Olive
 
For the Bulldogs of Barton, they finished last season with a 15-16 record notched a 10-8 record in the Conference Carolinas. Barton graduated their top three scorers from last season and return Jett Fortuny who was fourth in scoring a season ago.
 
As for Mount Olive, the Trojans have taken on two NCAA Division I opponents in exhibition play prior to tipping-off against PBC foe Augusta (Ga.) in the opener of the 45 Second Classic. Last season, Mount Olive finished 7-22 with a 6-12 Conference Carolinas record and are returning their top two scorers in Redford Dunton and Shane Peterson.
 
How to Follow Along
 
Columbus State will tip-off on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET against Barton and will follow with an 11 a.m. ET matchup against Mount Olive on Saturday.
 
Live Stats and Live Video are available to follow along. All information regarding the 45 Second Classic can be found here.