COLUMBUS, Ga. — The Columbus State University Men's Basketball team closed out the regular season in commanding fashion on Senior Day, defeating Georgia Southwestern State University, 82-69, on Saturday afternoon inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center. With the victory, Columbus State improved to 21-7 overall and 15-5 in Peach Belt Conference play, securing momentum heading into postseason competition. In front of 1,089 fans at the Lumpkin Center, the Cougars led from start to finish, never surrendering the advantage and preventing a single tie or lead change throughout the contest.

The Cougars shot a blistering 58.1 percent (18-of-31) from the floor over the final 20 minutes and knocked down five more three-pointers to finish 10-of-25 (40.0 percent) from beyond the arc for the game. Overall, CSU shot 53.2 percent from the field compared to 40.9 percent by Georgia Southwestern.

Columbus State outscored the Hurricanes 42-36 in the paint and held a 36-32 rebounding advantage, including 30 defensive boards that limited second-chance opportunities. The Cougars also generated 13 fast-break points and received a strong lift from the bench, which contributed 25 points.

Senior forward Marlon Smith delivered a standout performance, recording a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds while adding two blocks in 33 minutes of action. Jordan Mitchell was nearly flawless offensively, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting and six rebounds. Jydon Hall added 12 points and three assists, while Lee Langstaff II contributed 11 points and four rebounds. Masiah Jones provided key production off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds.

Columbus State will now turn its attention to postseason play, hosting the Quarterfinal Round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Wednesday, March 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.