COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Women's Basketball team delivered an explosive offensive performance Wednesday evening, defeating Lander University 101–73 in the quarterfinal round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
With the victory, the Lady Cougars improve to 25-3 overall and advance to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Semifinals, where they will host Augusta University on Saturday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m. ET inside the Lumpkin Center.
Columbus State displayed its offensive depth throughout the game, with six players scoring in double figures, and also controlled the interior, outscoring Lander 50-48 in the paint, while forcing 22 turnovers that led to 27 points.
After a slow start offensively in the opening quarter, Columbus State quickly found its rhythm in the second period. The Lady Cougars shot 58.8 percent from the floor in the quarter while connecting on 3-of-5 three-point attempts, creating separation heading into halftime. CSU continued to extend its lead in the second half, shooting 50.0 percent in the third quarter and 57.1 percent in the fourth, putting the game out of reach.
Senior guard
Letiya Reeves led Columbus State with 23 points, adding five rebounds, three steals, and two assists in just 23 minutes of action. Reeves shot 9-of-16 from the field while helping pace the Lady Cougars' balanced attack.
Nekaya Williams contributed 19 points and five rebounds, shooting 7-of-11 from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from three-point range.
Samara Saunders added 17 points and six rebounds, going 7-of-9 from the free-throw line, while
Alana Hankerson provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including three three-pointers.
Aaliyah Ferrell chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, and
Nadea Smith added 10 points and five rebounds to round out the double-digit scorers.
The Lady Cougars controlled the glass with a 50-45 rebounding advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 25 second-chance points. Columbus State also pushed the tempo effectively, generating 23 fast-break points while its bench contributed 28 points.
