Heading into Wednesday evenings game vs USCA, the Columbus State Cougars were one win away from claiming a share of the PBC Regular Season title, with the possibility of claiming the title outright depending on other results. The Cougars entered the game on a nine-game winning streak and a 15-2 record in Peach Belt Conference Play.
Columbus State used a dominant second half and a sizeable advantage at the free-throw line to defeat USCA 67-57 in Peach Belt Conference women’s basketball action Wednesday at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus, Ga. The game was tied 11-11 after the first quarter, and USCA nudged in front early in the second. The Pacers led 24-22 at halftime, powered by inside scoring and activity on the glass. Columbus State, however, began to turn the game in the third quarter with pressure defense, transition opportunities and consistent trips to the foul line.
The Cougars outscored the Pacers 21-11 in the third quarter to seize control. Nadea Smith’s pair of free throws gave the Cougars a 28-26 lead midway through the period, and they never trailed again. Letiya Reeves added a key layup in the paint with 3:14 left in the quarter to stretch the margin to 38-31 as Columbus State repeatedly converted turnovers and long rebounds into fast-break points. The Cougars continued to pull away in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points in the final 10 minutes and protecting their lead at the stripe. USCA made a late push when Destiny Harman knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 62-57 with 1:52 remaining, but Columbus State answered by closing the game on a 5-0 run. Reeves hit a pair of free throws with 36 seconds left to make it 66-57, then added another free throw with 25 seconds remaining to seal the 10-point victory.
Reeves led Columbus State with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals, anchoring a balanced effort. Nekaya Williams added 15 points, three rebounds and three assists as the Cougars overcame a cold shooting night from 3-point range (3-for-21, 14.3%). Columbus State finished 21-for-68 (30.9%) from the field but controlled key areas with a 48-37 edge on the boards and a 30-26 advantage in points in the paint.
This victory secured at least a share of the PBC Regular Season title, with the result from St. Augustine defining whether the Columbus State would win the title outright, or if the Sand Sharks of USC Beaufort would remain in the title race. USC Beaufort faced the Flagler College Saints in a game that was close from beginning to end. The Sand Sharks came back from behind to equalize in the final seconds of regulation and send the game to overtime. Flagler took an early lead in the overtime period, and although the Sand Sharks continued to fight back, the Saints held off the late pressure to secure a 75-72 victory. With that result, the Columbus State Cougars secured the Peach Belt Conference Regular Season title and the #1 seed in the PBC Tournament.
Columbus State returns to action on Wednesday, February 25th as they travel to Middle Georgia before closing out the regular season at home on March 1st vs Georgia Southwestern.