Box Score Dwight Richards, Jr. scores 42 in CSU's 87-80 win over Wilberforce

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Marauders of Central State defeated the Wilberforce Bulldogs, 87-80, behind a career-high 42 points from Dwight Richards, Jr.

Featuring two schools separated by less than 200 yards, the game featured 13 ties and 10 lead changes. Neither team gained much separation from the other as the score remained knotted, 64-64, with 5:48 to play. Sparked by a Richards, Jr. basket in the paint, CSU put together a 11-0 run to take control. Two Jeremy Brown free throws gave the Marauders a 75-64 lead with 3:03 remaining. WU never recovered. Richards, Jr. poured in a mid-range jumper with 1:09 left to give CSU its largest lead, 82-70. Richards, Jr. ended the night by converting four straight free throws as he celebrated his 42-point performance with his teammates and the sold out crowd in Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium. CSU went on to cruise to the 7-point victory.

The Marauders converted 80% from the free throw line compared to Wilberforce's 42% performance.

Richards, Jr. made 13 of 22 field goal attempts, including a 4-9 mark from beyond the arc. He was also a perfect 12 for 12 from the free throw line on his way to his career-high. Frank Barber III came throw with clutch baskets down the stretch and finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Seeing his first significant action since late December while nursing an array of injuries, senior Keilan Blanks delivered 10 points and 6 assists. Jeremy Brown continues to be CSU's best rebounder. The junior finished with 11 rebounds to go along with 8 points as the Marauders improved to 9-17 overall.

Wilberforce was led by Demond Parker's 28 points. The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 13-10 on the season.


Quotable – Head Coach Joseph Price

"Dwight Richards, Jr. continues to lead us with his effort and offensive output. He put on a show in front of a great crowd tonight."

"Every time we play Wilberforce, it is a great environment. It makes it really special when the fans come out and support us the way they did tonight."

"We resume conference play this Saturday against a tough team in Spring Hill. We hope tonight's performance can carry over into the rest of the regular season as well as postseason play."

"We had been on our guys all week about turnovers. Our guys focused on taking care of the ball and did a great job of valuing each possession."

"We want to finish strong in the conference and make a run in the conference tournament."
 
Notes:

• Dwight Richards, Jr. is the first Marauder to eclipse 40+ points in a single game since the 2014-15 season.
• Richards, Jr. becomes the first player to record five games of 30+ points in a single season since the 1982-83 season
• Tuesday night's game was the first of a three game home stand to end the regular season.
• With Tuesday's result, Central State has swept Wilberforce in the season series (2-0).
• CSU's Board of Trustees Chairman Mark Hatcher served as honorary coach of Tuesday night's game. Coach Hatcher improved to his coaching record to 1-0 overall.

 
 
 
Next Up:

Feb. 18 vs. Spring Hill, 3 pm (Senior Day)

Coverage:

Watch - http://maraudersports.com/watch/

Listen - http://www.gemcitysports.com/radio-1/

Live Stats - http://www.sidearmstats.com/centralstate/mbball/

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