TUCKER, GA -- The Tucker Tigers rode a big second half against Columbia to claim the 2013 Chick-Fil-A Invitational on Monday night. Thanks to a big second half from senior Jon Dunmeyer and balanced team defense, the host team put away an undefeated Columbia team 74-59 to claim the championship.

Dunmeyer had a monster third quarter, hitting three three-pointers. One of his made treys was an and-one play that put the Tigers up 43-32. On the next possession, he came down and drilled another three-pointer to open the lead up to 14. Columbia never recovered from that knockout blow. The Eagles cut the lead to seven to end the quarter but never came closer than that.

Dunmeyer finished with 25 points and said he knew his perimeter offense was just what the doctor ordered to push his team ahead.

"It was really important for our team because we were really struggling on offense," Dunmeyer said. "I knew I needed to make a play for me... Every time step on the court I feel like I'm in the zone."

Tucker used good balance in the second half and had good minutes from senior big T.J. Thomas in the second half. He rebounded well and protected the rim. Senior sixth man Davante Meadows provided the team some key minutes in the second half.

Shembari Phillips opened the game strong, scoring 12 of Tucker's first 14 points. The junior banged home three three-pointers in the first eight minutes of the game and set the tone for what kind of game the Tigers wanted to play. Phillips finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the win.

"We hang our hat on playing defense, rebounding the ball and playing hard. We know if we do those things, we're going to win," Dunmeyer said.

Maurice Rivers scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Columbia while Bryce Brown and Anthony Rice each scored 13 points.

Tucker improves to 12-1 on the season while Columbia picked up loss number one on the year.