Box Score Central State drops season opener to GannonÂ
WEST CHESTER, Pennsylvania – The Central State women's basketball team was defeated by Gannon University, 76-57, in the first game of the 2015-16 season.
Competing in the first of two games at the Carol Eckman Memorial Tournament in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the Lady Marauders struggled against a well-balanced Gannon team. CSU's only lead was 2-0 in the opening minute. Gannon responded with a 10-2 run and maintained their lead for the remainder of the afternoon.
"Gannon is a very talented team," CSU coach
Sheba Harris said. "They have a great combination of outside shooting and a presence inside. We fought hard but we just did not have enough to beat them today."
Trailing 25-14 at halftime, CSU showed signs of making a comeback as they chipped away at the Gannon lead throughout the 3
rd quarter. With CSU down 46-39 with 6:43 left in the 3
rd quarter, Gannon quickly responded with a 11-0 run as McKenna Shives hit back-to-back three pointers and the Knights added six points from the charity stripe to seize a 57-39 lead. Lauren Tewes hit a three pointer at the end of the quarter to put the Knight up 60-44 heading into the fourth.
"Our effort was there and we did a great job of competing when things weren't going our way to make it a game. While we played hard, we have to do a better job in the paint. Gannon was extremely effective down low and took our big girls out of the game."
With CSU post players struggling, the Knights continued to build on their lead in the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 24 with 3:16 remaining. With the game in hand, the Knight ran down the clock for the eventual 19 point win.
The 1-0 Knights were led by Brianna Brennan and Elissa Ellerbrock, who each scored 14 points. Jennie Thies chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, Gannon shot 47% from the field and converted 21 of 27 free throws. The Knights continue to receive votes in the
USA Today Sports Division II Coaches' Poll and are ranked fourth in the
Atlantic Regional Poll.Central State's
Jordyn Bond recorded a game-high 20 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 7 assists. She was the only CSU player to score in double-figures as the team fell to 0-1 on the season. CSU struggled from the field, shooting 37.8% from the field and a dismal 6-14 performance from the free throw line. CSU was outscored in the paint, 32-18, and gave up 27 points off of turnovers.
Central State concludes their weekend in Pennsylvania against tournament host West Chester on Sunday at 4 pm. Ranked No. 25 in the preseason, West Chester (0-1) is coming off an upset loss to Lincoln University. Fans can follow the action on -Â
http://www.sidearmstats.com/wcupa/wbball/Â
