AIKEN, S.C. – The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team held on for a hard-fought 66–65 victory over the University of South Carolina Aiken on Wednesday night in a Peach Belt Conference match-up at the Convocation Center.
Columbus State built a strong first-half advantage, taking a 35–20 lead into the break behind efficient shooting and disciplined defense. The Cougars weathered a second-half push from Aiken, which outscored Columbus State 45–31 after halftime, but made stops late to secure the one-point road win.
Jaylen Harris led all scorers with a game-high 20 points off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers and adding three rebounds.
Marlon Smith followed with 14 points, five rebounds, and three assists while playing all 40 minutes.
Pascal Volz and
Jordan Mitchell each chipped in 11 points, with Volz dishing out a team-high six assists and Mitchell adding four rebounds and four assists.
Lee Langstaff II contributed eight points and six rebounds.
Columbus State finished the night shooting 45.5 percent from the field and held USCA to 33.9 percent shooting overall, building a lead as large as 19 points in the contest.
The Cougars move to 10-4 overall and 4-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and will play at home Saturday, January 10, hosting the University of South Carolina Beaufort at the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off.
