Box Score Balanced scoring helps Marauders to 78-71 win in opening game of UIndy Thanksgiving Classic

Indianapolis, IN - After a dramatic 67-64 victory over Kentucky State on Tuesday, the Marauders put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 78-71 triumph over St. Joseph's College (IN) in Friday's opening game of the UIndy Thanksgiving Classic.

After trading baskets in the opening minutes, the Marauders went on a 17-2 run to capture a 23-9 lead midway through the 1st half. The CSU offense continued to shoot a high percentage, leading by as many as 22 points in the 1st before taking a 46-29 lead into the locker room.

CSU converted 62% from the field, on their way to the highest scoring half of the season. Raheem Lemons and Sterling Gilmore each scored 9 points to lead the CSU offense in the 1st.

Lemons continued to lead the Marauders in the second half. The 6'5 forward scored 10 more points to finish with a game-high 19 on the evening on 8 of 14 from the field. He led all rebounders with 14, tallying his 3rd double-double of the year.

In danger of falling to 0-4 on the season, St. Joseph's made a late run to cut the CSU lead to 4 with just under 41 seconds left, but were unable to convert on their final 3 possessions as CSU's Gilmore iced the game with two free throws at the end of regulation.

In addition to strong performances from Lemons and Gilmore, Hosie Smith Jr., Jeremy Brown and Tre' Edwards each contributed with 10 points. Jay Miller came off the bench to score 9 as the CSU reserves outscored SJC's 28-19.

Improving to 3-2 overall, the Marauders will conclude this weekend's tournament against host school Indianapolis on Saturday at 3:15 pm. The Greyhounds are currently 4-0 on the year.

Fans can watch the game live via - http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Indianapolis-Greyhounds