COLUMBUS, Ga. – Jaizec Lottie scored 23 of his game-high 30 points in the second half as No. 25 (NABC Division II Top 25) Flagler College rallied to defeat Columbus State University 75-67 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball game Wednesday night at the Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr. Center.

Flagler extended its winning streak to nine games and improved to 10-2 overall and 3-0 in the Peach Belt. Columbus State dropped to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in conference play. The Cougars were playing with heavy hearts tonight. Fifth-year forward Anthony Moore lost his life in a car accident on Christmas Eve.

"First off, our hearts and prayers are with the entire Columbus State family, and especially the Moore family," said head coach Chad Warner. "Basketball seems very inconsequential compared to what they have experienced these past 10 days."

A Chris Metzger layup with 4:56 left gave Flagler the lead for good, 59-57. That started an 18-10 run by the Saints to close the game.

Columbus State held a 33-29 lead at the half.

Chase Fiddler added 12 points and Metzger finished with 10 points thanks to his 5-of-6 shooting from the field. Jalen Barr grabbed 10 rebounds, chipped in with seven points, blocked four shots, and tallied three steals for the Saints. Derrick Ellis, Jr. contributed eight points, six rebounds, and five assists.

"I was really proud of our team's composure and grit to find a way," said Warner. "Columbus State is a very good basketball team and that was a tough win for our team."

Langston Gaither led the Cougars with 25 points and nine rebounds. He did the bulk of his scoring from the free throw line as he made 12-of-15. Hunter Preston tacked on nine points, nine rebounds, and blocked two shots.

Flagler returns home to face USC Aiken on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
 
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