COLUMBUS, Ga. | Young Harris College had five players in double figures led by Justin Jones' 29 points, but it wasn't enough as Columbus State University edged the Mountain Lions 105-96 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball game Saturday (Jan. 26) afternoon at the Lumpkin Center.

The Cougars improved to 8-9 overall and to 4-8 inside the Peach Belt, while the Mountain Lions fell to 9-9 and 7-5. After playing three consecutive road games, Young Harris will return to the YHC Basketball Arena Wednesday (Jan. 30) for a 7:30 p.m. PBC contest against Georgia College.

Young Harris took a quick 2-0 lead, but Columbus State used a 15-5 run in the opening minutes of the first half to take control. The Cougars led 57-47 at the half, but the Mountain Lions used a 13-4 run at the start of the second half to pull within a point at 61-60 after a three-pointer by Jones, who had five points during that time, with 16:50 to go. A three-pointer from Paul Miller nearly four minutes later tied the game at 70. 

Columbus State used a 15-4 run to open up an 11-point lead at 85-74 with 8:04 to play, but the Mountain Lions clawed back, using a 7-0 run to close within three points (95-92) after a free throw by Jones with 2:50 to go. However, that was a close as Young Harris would get.

Brian Harper had his fifth double double of the year as he scored 14 points and dished out 10 assists. It was the eighth double figure assist game for the junior guard. Troy Cagle added 13 points, while Nicksen Blanc had 11 points and seven rebounds. Ryle Owens added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Landrius Horton had 25 points and 19 rebounds for the Cougars, while Chris Horton tossed in 21 points. Bryant Givens (17), Jalen Thomas (15), Xavier Williams (15) and Stanley Taylor (10) also finished in double figures for the Cougars.