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Lander University

HOME OF THE LANDER UNIVERSITY BEARCATS #CLAWSUP
66
Columbus St. CSU 11-5,5-2 Peach Belt
76
Winner Lander Lander 9-5,4-3 Peach Belt
Columbus St. CSU
11-5,5-2 Peach Belt
66
Final
76
Lander Lander
9-5,4-3 Peach Belt
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Columbus St. CSU 10 16 22 18 66
Lander Lander 18 15 19 24 76
Langley WBB
Bob Stoner

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Stuns Columbus State in Statement Victory at Home, 76-66

GREENWOOD - The Lander Bearcats (9-5, 4-3 Peach Belt) delivered a signature performance, knocking off a red-hot Columbus State team (11-5, 5-2 Peach Belt) 76-66 at home Sunday afternoon. 

The Cougars entered the game tied for first in the Peach Belt standings with North Georgia and riding a four-game win streak. Still, the Bearcats' smothering defense and efficient offense convincingly snapped that momentum.

How it Happened

Lander set the tone early, shooting an efficient 50 percent (7-of-14) from the field while holding Columbus State to just 16.7 percent (3-of-18). Aliyah Bello opened the game scoring with a layup, and Quadaija Langley added a pivotal three-pointer. Shcira Fowles anchored the defense, and Lander's strong fastbreak execution disrupted Columbus State's rhythm, helping them establish a commanding 18-10 lead.

Columbus State found a bit more offensive flow in the second quarter, improving to 35.3 percent shooting (6-of-17), but the Cougars continued to struggle from deep, missing all three of their three-point attempts. 

Lander cooled off slightly in the second, shooting 28.6 percent (6-of-21), but maintained control with timely buckets from Langley and Bello. Columbus State's inability to connect from long range allowed Lander to take a 33-26 lead into halftime.

The Cougars surged back in the third quarter, fueled by 36.4 percent shooting (8-of-22) and a more aggressive attack in the paint. Zuzanna Rudenko scored 10 of her 15 points during this stretch, helping Columbus State cut into the deficit. 

Lander, however, responded with balanced scoring, including two crucial three-pointers from Ryan Elbert and Langley. The Bearcats entered the final period clinging to a slim 52-48 lead.

The Bearcats saved their best for last, delivering a dominant fourth quarter on both ends of the floor. Lander shot a blistering 62.5% (5-of-8) from the field and knocked down 13-of-18 free throws to seal the victory. Langley, who finished with a season-high 25 points, hit a dagger three to stretch Lander's lead to double digits. 

Meanwhile, the Bearcats' suffocating defense held Columbus State to just 1-of-10 from three-point range, an area where the Cougars typically thrive. Entering the contest, they were averaging 8.3 triples per game.

Lander's defense was the story of the game, holding Columbus State to a dismal 1-of-19 (5.3 percent) from beyond the arc. The Cougars' usual sharpshooters, Bre'Lyn Snipes and Olonna Rawls, combined to go 0-of-11 from deep.

Rebounding was another decisive factor for Lander, as they outworked Columbus State on the boards with a commanding 55-42 advantage.

Key Performers Final Thoughts 

"Coming off of three tough losses, we could've folded, but we showed grit and resilience instead. Our defense, rebounding, and shared scoring was how we pulled away. Fowles bounced back into the double-doubles category, and Langley had her season-high in scoring and still found a way to dish seven assists," stated Head Coach Nicole "Colie" Shelwick. "So proud of this team."

This win was pivotal for Lander, moving them to 4-3 in Peach Belt play and injecting momentum into their season. The victory also highlighted their potential to compete with the conference's elite, with their defense proving to be a difference-maker. 

UP NEXT 
The Bearcats will look to build on this performance as they head to St. Augustine, Fla., to face Flagler College (8-8, 4-3 PBC) on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at Flagler Gymnasium & Clark Family Court.
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