It was back and forth all game, but in the end the Cougars couldn't pull out the victory against the Chargers.

Columbia State (15-5, 5-3) played an unconventional 16 players in the game on path to their 63-58 win at Cleveland State (8-6, 4-3).

"Tough one tonight," head coach Rafael Howard said. "At times we showed some toughness and grit, we cut it to three late, but just couldn't put together enough stops to win."

Julius King, Jr. led the way offensively as he typically does as the team's leading scorer, but put in 16 which is four points off his season average coming into the game. Thaddeus Johnson and Caleb Chapman each put in 14, but the rest of the team managed 14 points combined.

David Starr scored a team high 14 points for the Chargers and was one of just two players to score in double figures, but 12 different players put up points on the scoreboard.

The biggest discrepancy was rebounding where Columbia State held the advantage 42-33. Chapman secured 10 rebounds for the Cougars giving him a double-double on the night, but the rest of the team combined for 23 boards overall.

"We'll need to rebound and value the ball better next week," Howard said. "We'll watch film tomorrow and look to play better Wednesday."

Cleveland State takes the court again this Wednesday hosting Chattanooga State (12-4, 6-2). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Edwin Bear
Cleveland State Community College
Sports Information/Media Relations