COLUMBUS – The Columbus State Women's Basketball team kept the early-season momentum rolling on Saturday, grinding out a 73–66 win over Catawba College in the Region Crossover at the Lumpkin Center.
The Cougars came out with energy, winning the first quarter 22–18 and setting the tone with pressure defense that forced 20 first-half turnovers. Columbus State's guard play fueled the pace again, and the Cougars took a 40–35 lead into the locker room.
Nekaya Williams was electric, dropping a game-high 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting while pulling down 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Letiya Reeves wasn't far behind, knocking down four threes on her way to 20 points and 11 boards, giving the Lady Cougars a huge production from its backcourt.
Samara Saunders added 14 points, going 6-for-8 at the line, while
Sophia Williams handed out nine assists to keep the offense humming. As a team, Columbus State piled up 20 steals, dominated the glass 51–34, and turned Catawba's 37 turnovers into 27 points, which proved to be the difference.
Catawba stayed within striking distance thanks to 25 points from Mary Spry, but every time the Indians made a push, the Lady Cougars answered with a timely bucket or defensive stop.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 2–0 and wrap up their Regional Crossover showing with another strong performance.
Up Next:
Columbus State will face Eckerd College on Wednesday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
