Marauders come back to beat LeMoyne-Owen, 90-84

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State Marauders overcame a hot shooting LeMoyne-Owen team to win, 90-84, on Saturday afternoon.

With the win, CSU improves to 4-4 overall with a 3-1 ledger in SIAC play. The Magicians fall to 3-5 on the year with a 1-3 record in the conference.

In a game that was delayed due to the CSU women's overtime victory earlier in the day as well as scheduling conflicts with the officials, the men's game did not begin until 5:35 pm. Unfazed by the delay, the Magicians went 12-15 from the field to open the game and led 29-9 at the 13:21 mark. The key to LOC's early success was SIAC scoring leader Reshun Ellis. Ellis hit his first six three-point attempts. While Ellis maintained his form throughout the half en route to 32 points, CSU fought hard to get back into the game. CSU went on a 8-0 run capped off by a Davone Daniels three-pointer to cut the deficit to nine. CSU later went on a 17-2 run, tying the game 49-49 with a basket from Daniels at the end of the half.

The Magicians regained momentum early in the second half as baskets from Jaquan Lawrence and Martez Briggs gave LOC a 65-57 lead at the 15:05 mark. CSU responded with back-to-back three pointers from Martin Oliver and Chris Scott and later took their first lead, 75-73, on a Sterling Gilmore make from beyond the arc with 7:48 remaining.

The Marauders built their lead up to seven when Daniels struck again from outside with 4:28 to play. Chris Scott and Frank Barber III combined to go 8-8 from the free line to help seal the CSU victory.
Scott led CSU with a season-high 28 points and 13 rebounds. Gilmore also recorded season highs with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Daniels scored 13 points and collected 9 rebounds.

After a hot start, LOC's Ellis was held to 4 points in the second half and finished with 36 points to lead all scorers.

The Marauders will travel to Ypsilanti, Michigan to play an exhibition game against NCAA Div. I opponent Easter Michigan University next Saturday at 2 pm.
 
Quotes – Coach Joseph Price
"I am proud of the way our guys managed to come back from a slow start and fight their way back into the game."

"Tonight was a total team effort in order to earn the victory. LeMoyne-Owen is a really talented team and always presents a challenge for us."

"We made some adjustments at halftime to slow down Ellis. Our guys did a great job of executing our defensive game plan in the second half."

"With the delayed start, we remain extremely appreciative of our fans. We believe we have some of the best fans in the conference and they stayed late and helped give us an edge tonight."

 
Notes
After an 0-3 start to the season, CSU has won 4 of its last 5 games. CSU is currently on top of the SIAC West Division with a 3-1 mark in conference play.

Chris Scott, a transfer from Lakeland Community College, is the reigning SIAC Newcomer of the Week.

Scott leads CSU in scoring (17.6 ppg), rebounding (8.1 rpg) and shooting (53.4%). He has scored 20+ points in four games this season.

CSU is finding success while playing without All-Preseason SIAC player Dwight Richards, Jr. Richards, Jr. missed his sixth straight game on Saturday.



Next Game
Opponent: Eastern Michigan (Exhibition)
Date: Saturday, December 9
Tip-Off: 2 pm
Location: Ypsilanti, Michigan


Coverage
Video -  ESPN 3 ( http://www.emueagles.com/sports/2015/7/6/testespn3.aspx?id=805 )


 
Tickets
For ticket information, visit - http://www.emueagles.com/sports/2017/8/18/2017-18-emu-mens-basketball-tickets.aspx