Cougars run record to 16-3

The Columbia College women’s basketball team improved to 16-3 Saturday night. It defeated the University of Illinois-Springfield Prairie Stars 65-53.

The win gives the Cougars sole possession of first place in the American Midwest Conference, where they are 4-0. The Cougars also moved from No. 23 to No. 21 in this week’s NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball poll.

Junior guard Amber Lewellen was the standout performer of the night. She previously averaged 17.7 points per game but was good for 30 points inside Southwell Complex Saturday. Lewellen also pulled down 19 rebounds and had five steals.

“Amber had a great ballgame. She really got us going in the first half,” said head coach Mike Davis.

The Cougars started off quickly, beginning the game on a 7-0 run. The Prairie Stars then switched from man-to-man defense into zone.

“Against the zone, we didn’t play that well,” said Lewellen. “We will probably work against the zone tomorrow.”

“We played well defensively, but offensively we stunk the place up,” Coach Davis said.

The Cougars will meet the Prairie Stars again on Feb. 15 in Springfield. Their next contest is scheduled for Jan. 25 in Columbia against Harris-Stowe State University.