COLUMBUS – The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team opened Peach Belt Conference play on a strong note Wednesday night, with a 64–60 win over Lander University inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center. The Cougars moved to 6–2 overall and 1–0 in the Peach Belt.
Columbus State opened with a 30-point first half and held off multiple Lander pushes throughout the second frame. The Cougars won the battle on the glass 40-38 and matched the Bearcats shot-for-shot, with both teams finishing with 23 made field goals.
Marlon Smith powered the Cougars with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double, adding three steals in a 36-minute effort.
Pascal Volz poured in 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting, while
Jydon Hall provided a strong spark off the bench with 13 points, including a pair of threes.
Lee Langstaff II added 12 points and knocked down three free throws in key moments.
Columbus State held Lander to 7-of-28 from three and forced 12 turnovers, converting those into seven points. The Cougars also produced 13 fast-break points and 17 bench points in the win.
With the victory, Columbus State picks up its first Peach Belt win of the season and carries momentum into the weekend, returning to action on Saturday, December 6, at 3:30 p.m., to host Flagler College in another conference matchup inside the Lumpkin Center.
