DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team couldn't overcome a hot-shooting night from the University of North Georgia on Wednesday, falling 87-76 in Peach Belt Conference play inside the UNG Convocation Center.
North Georgia set the tone with a 49-point first half and shot an efficient 30-of-56 from the field, including nine made threes, as the Cougars spent much of the night playing from behind. Columbus State put together multiple scoring stretches in the second half, outscoring the Nighthawks 42-38 after the break, but North Georgia consistently answered to protect its lead.
Marlon Smith led the Cougars with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting while adding 8 rebounds and 3 steals, while
Jordan Mitchell found his rhythm from deep, finishing with 19 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting and grabbing 7 rebounds. Ahmed-Sory Soumahoro provided a strong spark off the bench with 17 points, 4 assists, and a steal in 27 minutes, and
Jydon Hall added 15 points and a team-high six assists on the night.
As a team, Columbus State shot 27-for-56 (48%) from the floor and 9-for-21 (43%) from three, but turnovers and transition opportunities tilted momentum toward the Nighthawks. North Georgia outscored Columbus State 23-9 in fast-break points and generated 18 points off Cougar turnovers.
With the loss, Columbus State drops to 6-4 overall and 1-2 in Peach Belt Conference play. The Cougars now turn their attention to Saturday, December 13, when they travel to Morrow, Ga., for another Peach Belt match-up against Clayton State University. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m.
