Cougars fall to Cornerstone University
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Winona Lake, Ind. – In the first ever meeting between the Cougars and Cornerstone (Mich.) University, the Golden Eagles came out with the victory, defeating Columbia 84-59.
Columbia falls to 4-9 on the season with today’s loss. The Cornerstone Golden Eagles are an NAIA Division II member and are ranked No. 11 in the Div. II Top 25. Cornerstone improves to 9-4 on the season.
The Cougars scored the first five points in the contest but really fell away after that, allowing the Golden Eagles to outscore them 36-20 throughout the first 20 minutes. Columbia connected on just six field goals, including three from Chad Thompson who contributed 11 of the Cougars 20 points in the first half.
Cornerstone opened up the second half with a back-to-back-to-back three-pointers, placing Columbia at a 23 point deficit. The Cougars allowed the Golden Eagles to push their lead to as many as 29 points after draining six three-pointers and shooting a game winning 47 percent from the field. The Cougars’ 29 percent shooting could not compete with Cornerstone, as Columbia took the 25-point loss.
Chad Thompson had 17 points for Columbia, while Jaron Strickland chipped in 14. The Cougars were outrebounded 38-35 in the contest.
Columbia returns to the hardwood on Friday, December 18th when they host Lyon (Ark.) College. Tip off is slated for Noon in the Arena of Southwell Complex.