COLUMBIA — After losing three of its past four games, the Columbia College men's basketball team needed a boost. Turns out, Williams Baptist was exactly what was needed. The Cougars routed the Eagles 93-51 Saturday at Southwell Complex.
"It was nice to play one where it doesn't come down to the last play of the game," Columbia College coach Bob Burchard said.
The win was needed by the Cougars (14-6) after a 77-60 loss to William Woods on Thursday. Columbia College's three previous games were each decided by three points. Meanwhile, the visiting Eagles(5-16) struggled in their eighth straight loss.
The Cougars started with a 13-0 run and had a 37-16 lead at halftime. The Cougars even led by 51 points at one point late in the second half. The Eagles were held to 26.2 percent shooting for the game.
"We focused more on our energy," said Cougars senior Christian Lewis said after the game, noting that his team had played flat at William Woods.
Throughout the game, Burchard subbed all five of his starters at the same time for bench players in hopes of building better team chemistry.
"We need 11 guys, not six or seven," Burchard said.
Lewis led the Cougars with 21 points and nine rebounds, and senior Brett Hoskins added 16 points and nine rebounds. De'Varrio Watson led the Eagles with 10 points.
The Cougars improved to 3-3 in American Midwest Conference play, while the Eagles fell to 0-7. Next up for the Cougars is Harris Stowe (6-13 overall, 1-4 in the AMC) on Thursday in St. Louis.