COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Women's Basketball team turned Alumni Day into a celebration to remember, rolling past conference opponent Clayton State University 75-53, Saturday afternoon inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center in Peach Belt Conference action.
The afternoon also honored a landmark moment in program history, as members of the 2000–01 Lady Cougar team, which finished 31-1 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four were recognized at halftime on the 25th anniversary of their historic season.
Columbus State set the tone early, taking a 15-12 lead after the first quarter before breaking the game open in the second. The Lady Cougars poured in 25 points in the period, shooting 60 percent from the field, taking a 40-26 advantage into halftime.
Columbus State slammed the door in the final 10 minutes, outscoring Clayton State 26-16. The Lady Cougars' defensive pressure fueled the surge, forcing turnovers and converting them into points as the lead ballooned to 22 points.
Columbus State finished the afternoon shooting 45.7 percent from the field and dominated key areas, including points off turnovers (27-8), points in the paint (44-34), and bench scoring (39-28). The Lady Cougars also held the Lakers to just 33.9 percent shooting and 1-for-13 from beyond the arc.
Letiya Reeves led a balanced Columbus State attack with 12 points, while
Sophia Williams added 11 points and six rebounds.
Alana Hankerson and
Senali Moss each chipped in 10 points off the bench,
Simone Lett added eight points, and 10 different Lady Cougars scored.
The win improves Columbus State to 19-3 overall and 13-2 in Peach Belt Conference play.
Next: The Lady Cougars will continue conference action on the road, traveling to Bluffton, S.C., to face the University of South Carolina Beaufort on Wednesday, February 11, with a 5:30 p.m. tip-off at The Cove.
