BLUFFTON, S.C. —The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team used a dominant second-half surge to secure an 80-68 Peach Belt Conference victory over the University of South Carolina Beaufort inside the Cove on Wednesday night.
Lee Langstaff II delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. He added six rebounds in 33 minutes of action, anchoring an offense that shot an even 50 percent (31-of-62) from the field.
Marlon Smith recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the defensive glass with 12 boards overall.
Jordan Mitchell added 13 points on an efficient 6-of-9 shooting effort, while
Jydon Hall sparked the bench with 14 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Columbus State controlled key statistical categories throughout the night, outscoring USC - Beaufort 42-36 in the paint and holding a 17-7 advantage in points off turnovers. The Cougars also generated 14 fast-break points and 11 second-chance points, while the bench contributed 24 points in a balanced team effort.
Defensively, Columbus State limited the Sand Sharks to 40.7 percent shooting from the field and just 28.6 percent from three-point range in the second half, and although the battle on the boards finished nearly even at 36-35 in favor of USC - Beaufort
The Cougars will continue Peach Belt Conference play on Saturday, February 14, when they return home to the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center for "Pink Out Night," sponsored by Kinetic. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
