Box Score Central State uses late run to extend winning streak to four games

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – In a quest for their fourth win in seven days, the Central State Lady Marauders used a 10-0 run in the late stages against Stillman College and went on to win, 62-58, on Monday night.

Playing the final game of a three-game Alabama road trip, CSU struggled offensively in the first half, hitting just 22% from the field and managing just 25 points. While the Lady Marauders struggled on the offensive end, the defense forced 12 turnovers in the first half and kept Stillman within striking distance, 30-25, at halftime.

Stillman built its lead up to as many as 8 midway through the third quarter and took a 46-40 advantage into the final 10 minutes. Stillman maintained their lead after two Jocyln Romas free throws put the Tigers up 56-50 with 5:02 to play. The Central State shooters finally found their rhythm as a Sierra Harley three pointer sparked a 10-0 run. Brianye' Copeland capped off the run with a steal and basket on the other end to put CSU up 60-56 with 1:33 left in the game. After a string of scoreless possessions, SC's Eulacia Edwards hit two free throws to cut the lead down to 60-58 with 7 seconds left. Mustafa Notter sealed the game or CSU with two free throws of her own as CSU celebrated its fourth straight win.

"It was a close game and Mustafa stepped up and made some big plays in the final three minutes," said CSU Head Coach Sheba Harris.

Notter finished the game with 11 points with an efficient 4 of 6 performance from the field. The freshman forward also came up huge defensively with 3 blocked shots. Kourtni Perry led CSU scorers with 13 points and a game-high 10 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season. With the win, CSU improved to 7-8 and a 4-5 mark in SIAC play.

Stillman fell to 5-9 overall and 2-5 in the SIAC despite an 18 point performance from Ramos and a 17 point output from Victoria Douglas.

Central State will spend the rest of this week preparing for Saturday's road game against rival Kentucky State. Saturday's tip-off is scheduled for 6 pm in Frankfort, KY.