YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | Justin Jones led six Young Harris College players in double figures with 24 points as the Mountain Lions defeated Columbus State University 106-85 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball matchup Saturday (Feb. 23) afternoon at the YHC Basketball Arena.

The Mountain Lions, which locked down a berth in the upcoming PBC Tournament, improved their record to a 12-14 overall and 10-10 in the PBC, while the Cougars fell to 12-14 and 8-12. The Mountain Lions go on the road to Milledgeville, Georgia,  to play Georgia College Wednesday (Feb. 24) at 7:30 p.m.

Young Harris used a 17-2 run in the opening stages of the first half to take control of the game as they opened up a 14-point lead (23-9) after an old-fashioned three-point play from Jones with 10:23 left.  J.J. Flores had eight points during the YHC run, while Ray Reeves had five.

The Mountain Lions, who led 47-40 at the half, used a 13-2 run in the early minutes of the second half to take a 16-point lead (62-46) on a Brian Harper layup with 16:45 to go. Columbus State managed to get within five points (70-65) after a Bryant Givens three-pointer with 10:53 left, but Troy Cagle burried a three-pointer on the next YHC possession and the Mountain Lions, who shot 60.6 percent (20-of-33) from the floor in the second half, were able to stop the rally.
 
Ryle Owens added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Nicksen Blanc had 13 points and nine rebounds. Harper recorded another double double for the Mountain Lions with 11 points and 13 rebounds, while Flores finished with 12 points. Cagle added 11 pooints, while Paul Miller grabbed seven rebounds.

Bryant Givens led the Cougars with 31 points, while Landrius Horton tallied 18 points and 11 rebounds.