Box Score Marauders pick up a 79-70 win over Christian Brothers University to open the season
 
WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State Marauders opened the 2016-2017 basketball season with a 79-70 win over the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University on Friday.
Energized by their home fans, the Marauders jumped out to a 30-9 lead over CBU, a team ranked in the top ten in the D2SIDA Regional Poll. CBU refused to let the game get away from them as three point shooters Mitch Mays and Adam Dieball helped cut the deficit down to 35-27 at halftime.

CSU opened the second half with a Robert Konteh dunk to spark a 10-4 run and a 45-31 lead with 16:15 to play. CSU maintained a comfortable lead in the early stages of the second half and a fast break layup by Markese McGuire gave CSU a 58-50 lead with 8:42 to go. CBU responded with a 9-2 run as a Joe Laravie three pointer cut the deficit down to 1 with 7:22 to play. CSU senior Keilan Blanks went on a roll in the final 7 minutes. The 5'10 guard did not miss a shot going 4-4 from the field and 2-2 from the free throw line. Blanks helped the Marauders to a 14-3 run to reclaim a 9-point lead with 1:51 to remaining. Junior Thomas Farrior knocked down his tenth and eleventh point from the free throw line to help seal the win for the Marauders as CSU celebrated a 79-70 victory.

The Marauders had an efficient day from the field, shooting 50.8% as compared to a 41.3% performance from CBU. CSU also won the rebounding battle, 35-30.
Three players finished in double figures for the Marauders. Blanks had a team-high 17 points. McGuire added 13 points. Farrior finished with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Sophomore Tom Johnson did a great job of facilitating the offense with a game-high 9 assists.

The Bucs were led by Dieball's 28 points. Mays finished with 17 points and Laravie had 10 in the loss.

The Marauders will embark on a series of road games beginning with Sunday's game at Christian Brothers University at 2 pm. CSU does not return home until Dec. 30 against Albany State.

Notes:

- The Marauders moved to 2-0 all-time against Christian Brothers University. Prior to Friday, he last time the two teams met was in 2001.

- All active and retired military personnel gained free entry into Friday's game.

- The Marauders were assisted on the bench by honorary coaches Colonel Reginald Bryant and Sergeant Dillon Beckford. With the CSU win, Bryant and Beckford improved to 1-0 in their coaching career.