FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2-16-02

Men's Basketball: Columbus State 87, AASU 76
Women's Basketball: Columbus State 73, AASU 63

COLUMBUS, Ga. – The Columbus State basketball teams swept a PBC doubleheader from the Armstrong Atlantic State Pirates on Saturday afternoon as the men won 87-76, while the women's team won 73-63.

The Pirates (11-13, 7-10 PBC) shot just 31 percent in the first half, but nailed six of 10 three-pointers to keep within five, 40-35, at halftime. The Cougars (16-7, 11-5 PBC) pulled away in the second half by shooting 50 percent from the floor and going on to the 11-point win. Senior Bart Westgeest led all scorers for the Pirates with a career-high 20 points, while sophomore Justin Wood also collected a career high with 19 points, including 4-of-8 three-pointers. Columbus State placed four players in double figures, led by Derrick White's 16 points.

In the women's game, the Lady Cougars forced 22 AASU turnovers and held the Lady Pirates to just 5-of-22 shooting from three-point range in coming away with the 10-point victory. Courtney Favors paced the Cougars with a game-high 22 points on 6-of-12 shooting from three-point range to give Columbus State (17-9, 10-6 PBC) the victory. AASU (8-16, 6-11 PBC) was led by junior All-America candidate Zandrique Cason's 12^th double-double of the season as the Mesa, Ariz., native tallied 18 points and 13 rebounds, while junior Kristin Brewer added 14 points and senior Lexie Martin chipped in 11 points.

The Pirate basketball teams conclude their three-game road trip, traveling to Milledgeville, Ga., for a 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Peach Belt Conference doubleheader against GC&SU on Wed., Feb. 20.

- Pirates -