BLUFFTON, S.C. — The Columbus State University Women's Basketball team delivered a statement road victory Wednesday night, defeating University of South Carolina Beaufort, 80–68, in a pivotal Peach Belt Conference showdown inside The Cove.
Letiya Reeves etched her name into program history, surpassing 1,450 career points to become the Columbus State Women's Basketball All-Time Leading Scorer, finishing the night with 18 points in 30 minutes on 6-of-19 shooting, including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc and 3-of-6 at the free-throw line, while adding six rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block in an all-around performance.
Samara Saunders led all scorers with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting while adding six free throws and four rebounds.
Alana Hankerson provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, knocking down three three-pointers, and
Nadea Smith delivered a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance for 12 points and five rebounds. Columbus State's depth proved decisive, as the Lady Cougars outscored USC Beaufort 40-22 in bench points.
The opening 20 minutes featured four ties and six lead changes, with neither team able to create separation. Columbus State carried a narrow 35-34 advantage into the locker room after shooting 44.1 percent from the field in the first half.
Columbus State shot 57.1 percent from the floor in the second half and went 10-of-12 (83.3 percent) at the free-throw line over the final 20 minutes, using a 42-36 advantage in points in the paint to outscore the Sand Sharks 45-34 after halftime while also capitalizing on USC Beaufort miscues with 17 points off turnovers, 14 fast-break points, and 11 second-chance points.
Up Next: Columbus State returns home to the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on Saturday, February 14, for "Pink Out Night" sponsored by Kinetic. The Lady Cougars will host Georgia College & State University in Peach Belt Conference action, with tip-off scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
