Columbus, Ga. - In the final game before the holiday break, the Augusta University men dropped a Peach Belt Conference matchup against Columbus State 80-71 at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus, Ga. The Jaguars are now 2-3 in PBC play and 7-8 overall. The Cougars are 3-2 in conference and 9-4 overall. Augusta never led in the game and were led by Elías Pálsson who poured in 27 points. 

CSU hit on 53% of their shots from the field while the Jags connected on 41%. The Cougars also hit on 50% of their shots from three point range with Augusta hitting on three of nine from long range.

Columbus State had a 40-32 lead at the half, but a 6-0 run by the Jags five minutes in would draw AU to within four points. Two baskets by Pálsson and a three pointer by Tobias Prall highlighted the run. The Cougars would answer with a 7-0 run of their own and would never waiver. On three different occasions, Augusta did get within five points, but could never get over the hump and draw closer.

Besides Pálsson's 27 points, Prall tallied 17 points including three from beyond the three point arc. Luis Nonfon was the other Jaguar in double-figures with 11 points. Nonfon and Pálsson each had six rebounds with Charlie McBeath chipping in with five boards. Augusta actually out rebounded CSU by one, 32-31. 

Marlon Smith had 27 points to lead Columbus State to the victory. 

Augusta will next be in action Jan. 3 when they travel to Corchran, Ga. for their first ever meeting agiant conference newcomer Middle Georgia. 

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