AMERICUS, Ga. -- Columbus State University never trailed and took advantage of 31 points from its bench to defeat the Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team, 89-82, in the Storm Dome on Wednesday evening.

GSW suffered back-to-back losses at home for the first time this season to fall to 8-9 overall and 3-8 in the Peach Belt Conference. Columbus State won for the fourth time in its last five games to improve to 12-7 overall and 7-4 in the PBC. 

How It Happened: Columbus State opened up an eight point lead midway through the first half, 21-13, as the Hurricanes suffered through a three minute scoring drought plagued by three turnovers and three missed shots. CSU stretched the margin to its largest of the evening, 40-24, with 3:59 left in the half. GSW trailed 44-32 at the break.

The Hurricanes pulled to within eight points at the 12:22 mark, but couldn't manage to get inside that number until the final minute and a half when an Abdul Dial layup made the score 84-78. GSW forced a Cougar turnover on the next possession to get the ball back with 1:17 to go, but was unable to score and CSU sealed the victory from the free throw line.   

Both teams connected on at least 50 percent of their shots overall and GSW edged out CSU from long range, 35.7 percent compared to 35 percent. The Cougars held a slight edge on the glass, 36-34, and dished out six more assists, 16-10.    

Who Stood Out: Jamari Dean fell a rebound shy of a double-double as he led the Hurricanes with 23 points and nine rebounds. Dean made 10 of 14 shots and added three blocks on the defensive end of the floor. Dial scored 18 points behind 7 of 12 shooting. Soloman Thomas chipped in 13 points and Jalen Cameron scored 12.

Anthony Moore led all scorers with 24 points and added a game-high 11 rebounds for the Cougars.    

Up Next: The Hurricanes travel to Florence, S.C., to face Francis Marion University (3-15, 2-9 PBC) on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.