Columbus State University welcomed students and fans to the Lumpkin Center on Monday night for its annual Hoops Madness event, a pre‑season celebration that signals the start of both the men’s and women’s basketball campaigns, according to WTVM.
The evening’s program included a dunk contest, a 3‑point shootout and a costume contest, drawing enthusiastic participation from the campus community. Event organizers said the activities are designed to build excitement and showcase the talent of the Cougars as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Women’s basketball coach Matt Houser highlighted the significance of the event for his players, noting that Hoops Madness offers a chance to compete against a Division I opponent in the forthcoming exhibition game against Auburn University on Wednesday. Houser said, “That’s what opening doors is with being a student‑athlete. It’s just experiencing something amazing.”
Houser also reminded fans that the Cougars last faced Auburn in an exhibition three years ago, and that the program traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee, the previous season to play the University of Tennessee. Those matchups, he said, provide valuable experience against higher‑profile competition and help the team gauge its readiness for conference play.
Attendance at the Lumpkin Center was strong, with students, alumni and local supporters filling the arena to watch the on‑court contests and cheer on their teammates. The costume contest, a fan‑favorite tradition, saw participants dressed in a range of creative outfits, adding a festive atmosphere to the night.
“Events like Hoops Madness bring the campus together and give our athletes a platform to shine before the season begins,” said a Columbus State athletics spokesperson, as quoted by WTVM.
What’s next: The Cougars will travel to Auburn University for an exhibition game on Wednesday, providing a first look at how the team matches up against a Power Five opponent. Fans are encouraged to attend the game at Auburn’s arena and continue supporting the Cougars as the regular season approaches.
