Columbia College cruises into second round of conference tournament

COLUMBIA — In a must-win game, the Columbia College (16-14) women’s basketball team started the game with a flourish, scoring the first 20 points of the game against Williams Baptist (10-20).

The Cougars never looked back after the quick start on their way to a 102-55 home win. With little chance of earning an at-large berth to the NAIA national tournament, every game of the American Midwest Conference tournament could be the Cougars’ last.

“I think for us it’s: ‘What will you do to get one more game?’” coach Mike Davis said. “We showed some urgency tonight, and we wanted that one more game.”

It was a balanced effort for Columbia College, which had six players in double figures. Whitney Widaman led the Cougars with 18 points.

It was the second time Columbia College has reached the 100-point mark this season. The first also came at home against Williams Baptist on January 15.

With a big lead midway through the second half, Davis decided to switch to a zone defense. According to Davis, who is dedicated to a pressuring man-to-man defense, it was the first time his team had played zone in a few years.

The Cougars’ next game will be in the semifinal round of the AMC tournament at Harris-Stowe.

“(Harris-Stowe) is a good team, but I think we’re better,” Widaman said.