COLUMBUS — The Columbus State University Women's Basketball team saw its Peach Belt Conference Tournament run come to an end Saturday afternoon, falling to Augusta University, 82-71, in the semifinal round inside the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.
Columbus State struggled to find its rhythm offensively in the opening period, shooting 8.3 percent (1-of-12) from the field, which allowed Augusta to build early momentum. The Lady Cougars settled in during the second quarter, scoring 26 points and connecting on 8-of-22 shots while going a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, trimming the deficit heading into halftime.
Despite the early deficit, Columbus State continued to battle throughout the second half. The Lady Cougars shot 44.4 percent in the third quarter and 40.0 percent in the fourth while converting 17-of-18 free throws (94.4 percent) for the game.
Letiya Reeves led Columbus State with 21 points and nine rebounds, knocking down 9-of-9 attempts from the free-throw line.
Alana Hankerson provided a strong spark off the bench with 17 points, connecting on five three-pointers, while
Samara Saunders added 12 points and four steals.
Columbus State finished the game with a 33-34 rebounding deficit but generated 16 second-chance points and received 26 points from its bench.
With the loss, the Lady Cougars move to 25–4 overall. They will await the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship selections, which will be announced on Selection Sunday, March 8, at 10:30 p.m., when Columbus State will learn its tournament destination and next opponent.
