Marauders drop fourth straight game in 72-69 loss to Claflin

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State Marauders lost their fourth straight game in a 72-69 defeat to the Panthers of Claflin University on Saturday.

The loss drops the Marauders to 4-8 overall with a 3-4 mark in SIAC play. Currently ranked No. 8 in the D2SIDA South Region Poll, Claflin improved to 13-1 on the year with a 6-0 record in the conference.

Behind the scoring of post player Chris Scott, CSU built an early lead and held a 35-28 edge at intermission. CSU claimed its largest lead of the night, 57-45, after a free throw from Scott with 7:57 remaining. Claflin stormed back into the game with a 12-1 run capped off by a Christian Timothy three-pointer with 4:22 left on the clock. With the game on the line, CSU went back to Scott who scored seven of CSU's next nine points to keep the Marauders ahead, 68-67, with 47 seconds left.

On the next possession, Triston Thompson gave Claflin its first lead of the game, 70-68, with a make from beyond the arc with 25 second left. On the final possession of the game, Scott was fouled on a midrange jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining. Known as a reliable free throw shooter, Scott came up short on the first attempt. Scott converted the second free throw. CSU intentionally fouled but with just 0.4 seconds remaining, the Marauders were never able to get up another shot.

Thompson led Claflin with 18 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. Jordan Jones came off the bench to finish with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Jaleel Charles recorded 15 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Scott paced the Marauders with a season-high 31 points and 11 rebounds.

The Marauders will try to snap their losing streak on Monday when they host Benedict at 4 pm.

 
Quotes – Coach Joseph Price
"We made to many costly turnovers down the stretch. We gave Claflin too many opportunities to get back into the game and they took full advantage of it."

"We did a poor job of closing out on Claflin's shooters and it really hurt us tonight."

"We need more guys to step up and make plays if we want to win."

"We had twenty offensive rebounds but we did not do a good enough job of converting on second chance points."

 
Notes
Chris Scott recorded his team-leading sixth double-double of the season.

CSU is 4-3 at home this season.

With 10 steals on Saturday, CSU has eclipsed double-figures in the category for the fourth time this season.



Next Game
Opponent: Benedict
Date: Monday, January 1st
Tip-Off: 4 pm
Location: Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium – Wilberforce, Ohio

Coverage
Radio -  Gem City Sports Network (http://www.gemcitysports.com/radio-1/)
Video -  CSU Sports Streaming Channel (http://maraudersports.com/watch/)
Live Stats -  Marauder Live Stats site (http://www.sidearmstats.com/centralstate/mbball/)