COLUMBUS, Ga.- The Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team falls to 6-6 overall and 0-5 in the Peach Belt Conference after a 63-48 loss to 14th-ranked Columbus State (11-1, 5-0 PBC) Thursday night in Lumpkin Center.
Columbus State was ahead by four when Aleah Holden put in a jumper to put GSW on the scoreboard. The Cougars put up a 3-pointer followed by a lay up, three jump shots and a free throw to take a 14 point advantage with 2:52 left in the first quarter.
Khayla Owens, Kwante'sha Love and Emili Russ all made baskets at the end of the first quarter but Columbus State was able to put up 20 points and lead by 12 going into the second quarter.
GSW tried closing the gap in the second quarter keeping Columbus State to 14 points and put in 11 to head into half time down 34-19.
The Lady 'Canes out scored the Cougars in the third 15-10. Va'Queshia Hall put in the first basket of the second half followed by Kenyona Armstrong with a free throw and Hall with another basket to cut the lead to 10.
Columbus State made a free throw and Yvonna Dunkley countered with a 3-pointer to fall behind by eight. GSW fouled three times and Columbus State seven made free throws giving them a 13 point lead.
Holden made a free throw and a jumper followed by Dunkley with a layup. Columbus State made one more basket to finish the third quarter leading 44-34.
Hall and Armstrong made the first baskets in the fourth to close the gap to eight points. Columbus State opened it back up to 13 after making three jump shots and a free throw and took a 17 point advantage with 44 seconds left in the game.
Kris Beckham put in a jumper and Columbus State matched it with two made free throws. With the final seconds ticking Chanice Whitton put in jump shot to cut the Cougars lead and win to 15 points.
Hall led GSW with 11 points and eight rebounds, Dunkley had 10 points and Holden had eight points and eight rebounds.
Columbus State out rebounded GSW 55-38.
The Lady 'Canes are home on Saturday to host Young Harris at 1:30 p.m. in the Storm Dome.