ANDERSON, S.C. — The No. 6-seeded Columbus State University Men's Basketball team saw its season come to an end Sunday afternoon with a 74–66 loss to No. 2-seeded Lander University in the second round of the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional at the Abney Athletic Center, hosted by Anderson University.
The match-up marked the third meeting between the two teams this season after splitting the regular-season series, with each team winning on its home floor. Lander secured the victory Sunday to advance in the regional tournament.
Columbus State was led by senior
Marlon Smith, who recorded 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds while adding three assists and three steals in 39 minutes of action.
Ahmed Soumahoro provided a strong performance off the bench, scoring 13 points while connecting on both of his three-point attempts and going 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
Masiah Jones added 12 points and nine rebounds, while
Jaylen Harris also contributed 12 points for the Cougars.
Columbus State shot 31.8 percent from the field (21-of-66) and 20.0 percent from three-point range (6-of-30) while converting 18-of-20 attempts at the free-throw line. The Cougars also held a 40-32 advantage on the boards and received 25 points from their bench.
The Cougars trailed 38-26 at halftime but battled throughout the second half, cutting into the deficit behind strong defensive stretches and key baskets from Soumahoro and Harris.
Sunday's game marked Columbus State's second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Championship, capping another successful season under head coach
Robert Moore. The Cougars finished the year with a 23-9 overall record and a 15-5 record in the Peach Belt Conference.
