COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus State University came in to today's game with the second-highest scoring average in the Peach Belt Conference at 80.5 points per game, but the Flagler College defense clamped down and contained the juggernaut in a 73-62 win Saturday afternoon at the Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr. Center.
Flagler extended its winning streak to three and improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Peach Belt. The Saints have tied for their best start in the PBC since opening with the same record in the 2010-11 season. Columbus State fell to 1-2 overall and in conference play.
"I thought our guys defended with toughness today," said head coach
Chad Warner. "I was proud of their effort. We have a lot of work to do and an incredibly tough road trip coming up against UNC Pembroke."
The Saints held a 31-21 lead at the half and they held the Cougars to a dismal 25 percent (8-32) mark from the field. Flagler continued to hold a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half.
Jaizec Lottie scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the second half. He added six rebounds and six assists to his line.
Jalen Barr added a season-best 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting to go along with six rebounds.
Chris Metzger contributed 12 points and six rebounds.
Derrick Ellis, Jr. dished out a season-high eight assists and he added seven points.
Flagler converted 14 Columbus State turnovers into 18 points. The Saints dominated in the paint outscoring the Cougars 42-24.
Hunter Preston led the Cougars with 14 points. Kalen Clifton added 11 points and a game-high eight rebounds while Davion Thomas chipped in with 10 points.
Flagler travels north on Wednesday (Jan. 20) to face the defending regular season PBC champs UNC Pembroke at 7:30 p.m.
NOTES: The last time Flagler won at Columbus State was Feb. 11, 2010, the first year Flagler was in the Peach Belt Conference…The Saints snapped a six-game losing streak versus the Cougars.
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