COLUMBUS, Ga. | No. 23 Columbus State University Women's Basketball opened the 2026-27 season with a 71-61 victory over the University of West Alabama on Monday (Nov. 9) evening in front of 379 fans at the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
The Cougars and Tigers battled through six ties and 12 lead changes before Columbus State used its defensive pressure and a strong second half to take control. CSU forced 31 turnovers, recorded 16 steals, and turned those opportunities into 27 points off turnovers.
Aijah Manning delivered an all-around performance in the season opener, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, seven steals, and three assists in 32 minutes. Six of Manning's 10 rebounds came on the offensive glass as she helped set the tone for a Columbus State team that consistently created extra possessions.
The win moves CSU to 1-0 overall, while West Alabama falls to 0-1.
West Alabama held a 19-18 advantage after the opening quarter before Columbus State responded in the second. The Cougars outscored the Tigers 17-15 in the period to carry a 35-34 lead into halftime.
CSU began to create separation after the break.
The Cougars scored 20 points in the third quarter while holding West Alabama to 13, turning the one-point halftime advantage into a 55-47 lead entering the final 10 minutes.
Columbus State maintained control in the fourth quarter, outscoring West Alabama 16-14 to close out the 10-point season-opening victory.
Madi Hawk joined Manning with a team-high 15 points, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and connecting on two three-pointers. Hawk also added four rebounds.
Jamilah Jackson made an impact across the floor with 11 points, eight rebounds, and a team-high five assists. Alana Hankerson also scored 11 points, converting seven of her eight attempts at the free throw line.
Kaytlin Arnold provided a spark off the bench with seven points, four rebounds, and four steals, while Stella McIntyre added six points.
Columbus State's pressure proved to be one of the biggest differences in the game. The Cougars recorded 16 steals, led by Manning's seven, and scored 27 points off West Alabama's 31 turnovers.
CSU also won the rebounding battle 34-31 and collected 15 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second-chance points. The Cougars held a 40-32 advantage in points in the paint and scored 15 fast-break points.
Columbus State shot 39.1 percent from the field, making 25 of its 64 attempts, while West Alabama finished at 41.2 percent. The Tigers did not make a three-pointer, finishing 0-for-7 from beyond the arc.
Kamiyha Griffin led West Alabama with 15 points and six rebounds, while Donee' Frazier added 14 points and six rebounds.
The season-opening victory gave the Columbus State community plenty to celebrate as 379 fans welcomed Women's Basketball back to the Lumpkin Center. The Cougars competed with pressure and energy on the floor while opening another season together with their home crowd behind them.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
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Columbus State: 16 steals, 27 points off turnovers, 19 second-chance points, and 40 points in the paint.
UP NEXT:
Your Cougars travel to Salisbury, North Carolina, for the Southeast Region Crossover on Friday (Nov. 13) evening when Columbus State faces Tusculum University. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 PM.
