Women's Efficient Shooting Helps Them Knock off Johnson

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College women's basketball team used efficient shooting to defeat Johnson University (TN) 72-64 at home Wednesday evening.

Junior guard Anaya Muhammad led the Koalas to a win with 17 points on 6 of 7 shooting while guard Makiah Thompson added 14 points and 10 assists with 3 steals for a double-double.

CC shot 50 percent overall from the floor for a season-high while outscoring the Royals 24-15 in the third to take a 54-45 lead after the teams were tied at 30 apiece at the break. CC also outrebounded the Royals 41-35 while forcing Johnson into 21 turnovers with terrific full-court defense. Columbia increased their lead to as much as 16 points at 65-49 with just under six minutes to play while JU could only get as close as six points the rest of the way as CC held them off for the big win.

Freshman forward Natalie Pitts also posted 8 points with 4 rebounds and a steal while senior guard Tameah Gaddis added 8 points and 2 rebounds off the bench. Senior forward Cecilia Burke also gave a big spark off the bench scoring 5 points with 2 rebounds including a big three to give CC momentum while forcing the Royals into a timeout. Fellow senior forward De'Asia Feaster added six points and 4 rebounds off the bench as well while junior guard Tysonia Lowe recorded 4 assists with 4 points and a steal.

Columbia improves to 11-14 overall and 7-10 in the AAC to move into 7th place in the conference while Johnson falls to 9-13 overall and 8-7 in the AAC.

The women will return home on Saturday to host Union (Ky.) on Senior Day at 1:30 pm.