The Columbus State men’s basketball team took on Georgia College & State University Jan.
14 at GCSU’s Centennial Center in Milledgeville.
Both teams entered the night 5-2 in Peach Belt Conference play, giving the game significant meaning in the standings. Columbus seized control early and never let go, using efficient shooting, strong guard play and dominance in the paint to defeat the Bobcats 79–58.
This was the first men’s basketball game with students on campus for the 2026 school year.
“It’s cool to see a bunch of classmates come out and support the basketball team for the first home game of the semester,” said GCSU student Harrison Smith.
“Wasn’t the result we wanted to see, but hopefully students can keep supporting our basketball team.”
The Cougars set the tone from the opening tip, jumping out to a 15–7 lead in the first five minutes and forcing the Bobcats to play from behind throughout the contest.
Georgia College struggled to find offensive rhythm early, and by the eight-minute mark trailed 22–12. Columbus State extended the margin to 27–14 through 10 minutes of play, capitalizing on four early turnovers and repeated second-chance opportunities.
Columbus was sharp offensively in the opening half, shooting 60 percent from the field through the first 10 minutes while controlling the interior.
Georgia College opened the game just 4 of 15 from the field and had difficulty finishing around the basket. With four minutes remaining before halftime, Columbus State led 37–23, paced by Pacsal Volz with eight points and M. Smith with six.
Sophomore guard C.J.
Jones led the Bobcats with eight points at that point.
Columbus carried a 41–29 advantage into halftime after leading by as many as 20 points.
Guards Marlon Harris and Volz each scored eight points in the opening half, while Jaylen Harris provided a spark off the bench, adding seven points on 50 percent shooting to bolster the Cougars’ frontcourt depth.
Georgia College closed the half on a brief 10–4 run, sparked by Jones, who finished the first half with 10 points. Junior forward Luke Krawczky added five points off the bench, drawing fouls and converting three of four free throws.
The Cougars’ edge was evident beyond the arc and on the glass.
Columbus shot 40 percent from 3-point range in the first half, while the Bobcats managed just 14 percent. The Cougars also collected nine offensive rebounds compared to Georgia College’s three, translating into a 6–1 advantage in second-chance points and sustaining pressure throughout the half.
Any momentum gained late in the first half was short-lived.
Georgia College opened the second half just 1 of 7 from the field, while Columbus State attacked the rim and drew fouls.
The Cougars reached the free-throw line seven times in the first six minutes after the break, steadily widening the gap and preventing a Bobcats comeback.