COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team delivered a thrilling 93-87 overtime victory against Clayton State University Men's Basketball on Saturday afternoon inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center, spoiling Alumni Day with a dramatic Peach Belt Conference showdown.
The tightly contested match-up featured 17 lead changes and 10 ties, with neither team able to pull away through regulation. Columbus State carried a slim 40-37 advantage into halftime, but Clayton State answered with a strong second half to force overtime after the teams finished regulation tied 78-78.
In the extra period, the Cougars took control at the free-throw line and on the defensive end, outscoring the Lakers 15-9 to secure the conference win in front of a crowd of 1,087.
Marlon Smith led all scorers with a dominant 31-point performance, shooting 11-of-16 from the field while adding nine rebounds, three steals, and a block in 40 minutes of action.
Masiah Jones provided a major boost with 20 points and seven rebounds, going 9-of-13 at the free-throw line, while
Jordan Mitchell chipped in 17 points and nine rebounds.
Columbus State finished the afternoon with 41 rebounds, including 12 offensive boards, and converted 24-of-36 free throws, proving decisive in overtime. The Cougars also held advantages in second-chance points (15-6) and points off turnovers (18-14).
With the victory, Columbus State improves to 16-7 overall and 10-5 in Peach Belt Conference play.
The Cougars will continue conference action on the road Wednesday, February 11, traveling to Bluffton, S.C., to face the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at The Cove.
