FLORENCE, S.C. – The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team battled through a tight, back-and-forth matchup on Saturday afternoon, edging Chowan University 71-68 at the Francis Marion Thanksgiving Classic.
The Cougars took a 40-38 lead into the half and continued trading blows with the Hawks in the second half, defined by constant momentum swings, using timely defense and clutch scoring late to lock up their fourth win of the season. The matchup featured eight ties and sixteen lead changes, with neither team ever pulling away.
Marlon Smith powered Columbus State with a team-high 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 2-for-5 from three and a perfect 7-for-7 at the line, while also grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double.
Jordan Mitchell delivered 18 points and eight boards, and
Pascal Volz added eight points and six assists to help steer the offense.
Masiah Jones chipped in eight points with seven rebounds and three steals in a strong two-way performance.
As a team, the Cougars shot 26-of-64 from the field, out-rebounded Chowan 42-37, and the Columbus State defense produced seven steals and forced 10 turnovers in a game where every possession mattered.
With the win, Columbus State improves to 4–2 on the season and continues to build momentum following its weekend in Florence as the Cougars now return home to host Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on Tuesday, December 2, at 7:00 p.m. inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
