Box Score Lady Marauders cruise to SIAC semifinals with 75-54 win over LeMoyne-Owen

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Top seeded Central State University defeated LeMoyne-Owen College, 75-54, on Wednesday night to advance to the SIAC semifinal.

After falling behind 5-0 early on, the Lady Marauders finished the first quarter on a 21-3 run to seize control. CSU extended the lead to 17 midway through the second quarter after two Tamara Sellers free throws and took a comfortable 41-25 lead by halftime.

LOC fought to cut the CSU lead down to 9 by the 6:01 mark of the 3^rd quarter. CSU regained momentum as a Destinee Russell three-pointer sparked a 9-2 run. Back-to-back baskets by Rahni Bell helped the Lady Marauders increase their lead to 21 with 1:58 left in the period.

Leading 61-43 entering the final ten minutes of play, CSU was able to coast through much of the fourth quarter and cruised to the 21-point victory.

CSU forced 22 turnovers and outscored LOC, 19-2, in fast break points.

Twelve CSU players scored for CSU led by SIAC All-Conference guard Ghameerah McCullers. The senior from New York finished with 16 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals to lead CSU. Bell poured in 15 points. Sierra Harley chipped in with 10 points as CSU improved to 19-7 overall.

Tenesha Wright led LOC's efforts with 26 points and 14 rebounds. LOC ends the season with a 7 -23 overall mark.
 
Quotable – Head Women's Basketball Coach Sheba Harris:

"We had been off for a while so I was proud of how we came out with fire and intensity which helped us take control of the game."

"I didn't think we played our best game overall but our ladies came in and got the job done."

"Our goal is to stay in Birmingham until Saturday and do what we came here to do."

"At this point in the season, it is all about staying mentally focused and being ready to come out and play hard."


Notes:

- Prior to Wednesday's game, CSU had not played since Feb. 20.

- With Wednesday's result, the Lady Marauders sweep the season series with LeMoyne-Owen, 3-0.

- CSU advances to SIAC semifinals for the second consecutive season.

- CSU will face Claflin in Friday's SIAC semifinal. 

- In their only meeting this season, Claflin beat Central State, 81-66, in November.

- Claflin defeated Clark Atlanta, 70-55, to advance to Friday's semifinal.

- All SIAC Tournament games are held at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala.

- The Lady Marauders are the No. 1 seed in the West Division; Claflin earned the No. 2 seed in the East Division.


Next Up:

March 3 v. Claflin 5:30 pm cst (6:30 pm est)

Coverage:

Live Stats
http://stat.center/view#1tc0jawd

Video Feed
http://maraudersports.com/watch/

For additional information on the SIAC Tournament, visit - http://thesiac.com/
 

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