Box Score Lady Marauders claim SIAC West Division title with 81-58 win over Spring Hill
WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State Lady Marauders clinched their first SIAC West Division title in school history with a 81-58 win over the Badgers of Spring Hill on Saturday.
CSU was led by
Ghameerah McCullers, who scored her teams' first 10 points as the Lady Marauders took a 20-15 lead at the end of the first. In the second quarter, the CSU defense held SHC to a total of 8 points. While the defense was getting stops, CSU gradually built its lead up to 37-23 by intermission.
Spring Hill was unable to gain any ground in the third period. Leading 52-39 at the 2:34 mark, CSU went on a 7-1 run capped off by a Hilary Dietahin three-point play to take a 59-40 lead into the final ten minutes.
McCullers and
Sierra Harley scored back-to-back baskets to start the fourth quarter to put the Lady Marauders up by 23. CSU cruised to the victory. After shaking hands, CSU celebrated the SIAC West Division crown as a team at center court before heading into the locker room.
McCullers scored a career-high 37 points. Harley finished with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Rahni Bell chipped in with 10 points.
Mustafa Notter was effective at the defensive end, finishing with a career-high 6 blocked shots as CSU improved to 17-7 overall with a 11-4 mark in the SIAC.
Jennifer Clark led SHC's efforts with 12 points and 6 assists. The loss knocks the Badgers back to 14-10 overall and 8-6 in conference play.
Quotable – Head Women's Basketball Coach Sheba Harris:
"Our ladies were fully aware of what was on the line tonight and they came out and earned a historic win in front of our fans."
"Our ladies came out and played really hard on the defensive end. I thought we did a great job forcing turnovers in the first half."
"We worked all season long to be in this position. I am extremely pleased with the effort our players put forth in practice and conditioning. Winning championships is a result of how hard you work."
Notes:
- CSU clinched its first divisional/conference title since becoming an exclusive member of NCAA Div. II.
- The Lady Marauders have climbed to the top of the SIAC West Division in only the second season as members of the conference.
- CSU earn a top seed in the upcoming SIAC Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. CSU will open tournament play on Wednesday, March 1 at 5:30 pm cst (6:30 pm est).
- With Saturday's win, Coach Sheba Harris claimed a personal best 17 wins in a single regular season.
- Scoring 37 points, Ghameerah McCullers surpasses her previous career high of 36 points which was accomplished earlier this month.
- CSU will celebrate its senior class on Monday night.
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Next Up:
Feb. 20Â vs. LeMoyne-Owen, 5:30Â pm
Coverage:
Watch -Â
http://maraudersports.com/watch/
Listen -Â
http://www.gemcitysports.com/radio-1/
Live Stats -Â
http://www.sidearmstats.com/centralstate/wbball/
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