COCHRAN, Ga. — The Columbus State University Athletics men's basketball team outlasted Middle Georgia State University, 84-77, in overtime Wednesday night in a tightly contested Peach Belt Conference match-up at Morris Gymnasium.
With 16 lead changes and 12 ties, the contest featured dramatic swings throughout before Columbus State seized control in the extra period. The Cougars held the lead for just 11:29 of game time but made their advantage count when it mattered most.
Columbus State trailed 31-27 at halftime after shooting 35.7 percent (10-of-28) from the field in the opening 20 minutes. The Cougars responded with a more efficient second half, connecting on 50.0 percent (17-of-34) of their shots to erase the deficit and force overtime, tied at 69–69.
In overtime, Columbus State delivered its most poised stretch of the night. The Cougars shot 42.9 percent (3-of-7) from the floor, knocked down 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and converted 7-of-8 free throws (87.5 percent) to outscore the Knights 15–8 and secure the road victory.
Jaylen Harris led the Cougars with a game-high 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, adding 10 rebounds for a double-double off the bench.
Marlon Smith contributed 21 points and nine rebounds across a team-high 41 minutes, while
Jydon Hall added 13 points and five assists.
Jordan Mitchell chipped in 10 points and four rebounds.
As a team, Columbus State shot 43.5 percent (30-of-69) from the field and finished 18-of-25 (72.0 percent) at the free-throw line. The Cougars capitalized on Middle Georgia miscues, scoring 18 points off turnovers and receiving a significant lift from the bench, which accounted for 38 points. Columbus State also held a 40-34 advantage in points in the paint and edged the Knights in second-chance points, 13-11.
Columbus State returns home to the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center on Sunday, March 1, for a 3:30 p.m. tip-off against Georgia Southwestern State University in the regular-season home finale. The Cougars will celebrate Senior Day before the Peach Belt Conference contest.
