CANTON, Mo. - The Ashford University (5-3, 0-0 MCC) men's basketball stood tall facing its third consecutive nationally-ranked opponent to open the Culver-Stockton College Classic, dispatching of No. 19 and Div. I opponent Columbia College (2-4 overall) on Friday, 81-74 in overtime.

The Saints were coming off close losses in a gauntlet that included a tournament match against No. 13 Briar Cliff University and a home contest versus Div. II No. 19 Cardinal Stritch University.

The Cougars collected 122 preseason votes in the NAIA Div. I Top-25 Poll, coming off a 30-8 campaign a year ago that included a runner-up finish in the national tournament.

But AU sent Columbia reeling to its fourth loss of the season behind four players in double digits, led by senior guard Daniel Joiner of West Chicago, Ill., with 21 points.

"Overall, a real good win for us over a nationally-ranked (NAIA) Div. I opponent," AU Head Coach Andy Eberhart said. "We got off to a good start and hit some big three pointers that kind of held on throughout the game. Our starting unit did a nice job."

"The guys realize that didn't perform how they could when they played Cardinal Stritch (University)," Eberhart said. "They understand it takes more than talent, played with heart and really came out and played a good game."

With his 21-point effort, Joiner is now just 12 points shy (1,285 points) of passing former Mount St. Clare guard and current Clinton Community College men's basketball Head Coach Marcus Harris (1,296 points) for fourth on the school's all-time scoring list.

Junior guard Mike Relerford of Rockford, Ill., added a season-high 18 points and sophomore forward Matthias Burns of Chicago recorded a double-double with an effort of 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Senior guard Byron Emerson of Rockford, Ill., scored 15 points, grabbed five rebounds, handed out five assists and had four steals.

The teams were tied at 63-all with two minutes left in regulation, but each team missed one attempt in a trip to the charity stripe to force the overtime frame.

The Cougars scored the opening bucket in overtime, but after Joiner jumper to tie it up at 66, he and Emerson forced a pair of turnovers on Columbia's side of the court that were cashed into Ashford points.

The defensive pressure applied by Ashford allowed the Saints' lead to swell to eight on two occasions in the extra period, helping secure an AU upset.

The Saints were a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw line down the stretch as the game featured 10 ties and 10 lead changes.

Backup Chad Thompson led Columbia on offense with 17 points.

The Saints will face Missouri Baptist College tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the Culver-Stockton College Classic finale.