COLUMBUS – The Columbus State University Women's Basketball team closed out the calendar year with an 87-73 victory over Francis Marion University on Friday night inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center, with a balanced offensive performance and strong defensive pressure throughout the contest.
The Lady Cougars set the tone early, shooting 55.6 percent from the field in the opening quarter and knocking down five three-pointers to build early momentum. Columbus State continued to control the tempo, capitalizing on key possessions and converting turnovers into points, before pulling away in the fourth quarter thanks to efficient perimeter shooting.
Letiya Reeves led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 4-for-10 from beyond the arc, while adding nine rebounds and five steals in an all-around performance.
Alana Hankerson followed with 14 points, connecting on four three-pointers, and
Nekaya Williams added 10 points with three assists.
Samara Saunders chipped in nine points and four rebounds, while
Madison Reese and
Aaliyah Ferrell each contributed 10 points off the bench.
Columbus State finished the night shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, while scoring 39 points off turnovers and 23 fast-break points. The Lady Cougars also outscored Francis Marion 28-15 in bench points and recorded 18 assists on 34 made field goals.
With the win, the Lady Cougars improve to 10–2 overall and 4–1 in Peach Belt Conference play. Columbus State will continue conference action on Wednesday, January 7, traveling to Aiken, S.C., to face USCA inside the Convocation Center. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
