Central State Lady Marauders hang on to beat Claflin, 59-54

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State Lady Marauders built an early lead and hung on late to beat the Panthers of Claflin University, 59-54, on Saturday.

With the victory, CSU improves to 10-3 overall with a 5-1 record in SIAC play. Claflin falls to 7-7 on the year with a 4-2 mark in the conference.

CSU enjoyed an early 8-2 lead and took a 19-15 advantage into the second quarter. Up 24-20 with 5:47 to play in the second frame, the Lady Marauders went on a 9-0 run and took a 33-22 lead at intermission.

The third quarter belonged to Claflin as the Panthers outscored CSU, 18-13, to cut the deficit down to 46-40 entering the final ten minutes. CSU managed to comfortably stay ahead throughout the majority of the fourth quarter and led 57-45 after a Chavon Banks layup.

Claflin managed to chop the CSU lead down to three with 1:04 left to play. The teams traded turnovers before CSU's Jaeda Davis sealed the game with four straight free throws.

Banks led CSU with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Davis finished with 9 points. Sierra Harley recorded 8 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and 5 steals.

Claflin was paced by 12 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks from Jhanice Stokes.
CSU will return to the hardwood on New Year's Day to host Benedict College at 2 pm.

Quotes – Coach Lewis Shine
"We will obviously take the win but we are not happy with our performance today."

"Mustafa Notter came up big towards the end of the game with a big blocked shot. It is nice to have her back in the rotation."

"We have a quick turnaround and will get back to work to prepare for Benedict College on Monday."

Notes
The Lady Marauders were without leading scorer Takyra Gilbert due to injury.

CSU leads the SIAC in scoring (82.5 ppg), assists (16.4 apg), offensive rebounding (18.8 orpg) and steals (14.3 spg).

Mustafa Notter returned to the CSU rotation on Dec. 16. Notter had previously missed the first eleven games of the season.

Next Game
Opponent: Benedict
Date: Monday, January 1st

Tip-Off: 2 pm
Location: Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium – Wilberforce, Ohio

Coverage
Radio - Gem City Sports Network (http://www.gemcitysports.com/radio-1/)
Video - CSU Sports Streaming Channel (http://maraudersports.com/watch/)
Live Stats - Marauder Live Stats site (http://www.sidearmstats.com/centralstate/mbball/)

BOX SCORE

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY MARAUDERS SPORTS INFORMATION