ANDERSON, S.C. — The No. 6-seeded Columbus State University Men's Basketball team kept its season alive Saturday afternoon with a hard-fought 78-75 victory over No. 3-seeded Catawba College in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional at the Abney Athletic Center, hosted by Anderson University.
The Cougars improved to 23-8 overall with the win and advanced to the regional semifinals after holding off a late push from Catawba in a tightly contested postseason match-up that featured four ties and five lead changes.
Columbus State was led by
Marlon Smith, who delivered a standout performance with a game-high 29 points and eight rebounds in 39 minutes of action. Smith shot 10-of-19 from the field, connected on four three-pointers, and went 5-of-6 from the free throw line, providing key scoring throughout the contest to help the Cougars maintain their advantage.
Ahmed Soumahoro provided a major spark off the bench for Columbus State, scoring 14 points while converting 6-of-8 free throws. His energy and scoring presence helped the Cougars maintain momentum during critical stretches of the second half.
Jydon Hall added 11 points, four assists, and three rebounds, helping direct the Cougar offense throughout the afternoon.
Jaylen Harris also contributed 11 points, five rebounds, and a team-high three steals, playing a key role on both ends of the floor for Columbus State.
As a team, the Cougars shot 47.3 percent from the field (26-of-55) and were efficient at the free throw line, converting 19-of-24 attempts (79.2 percent). Columbus State was particularly effective in the second half, shooting 51.7 percent from the field while knocking down 16-of-20 free throws to help secure the victory.
Columbus State received strong contributions from its bench, which totaled 25 points, and controlled several key statistical areas throughout the game. The Cougars recorded 32 points in the paint, 10 fast-break points, and eight second-chance points while defensively limiting Catawba's perimeter attack to just 3-of-22 (13.6 percent) from three-point range and forcing eight turnovers.
With the win, the Cougars advance to the second round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional and will face Peach Belt Conference opponent and No. 2-seeded Lander University on Sunday, March 15, at 5:00 p.m. inside the Abney Athletic Center in Anderson, S.C.
