Bench play lifts Wayne State over Central State
 

DETROIT, Michigan – The Wayne State bench proved to be the difference as Central State fell to the Warriors, 78-70, on Wednesday night.
 
 
Wayne State reserves combined to score 45 points compared to a meager six points from the CSU bench players.
 
 
The loss drops CSU to 1-2 overall while WSU improves to 2-1 on the year.
 
 
CSU jumped out to a 7-2 lead before WSU fought back to tie the score, 14-14, and took a 20-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. WSU built the lead up to 13 in the early stages of the second quarter and took a 44-35 lead at the end of the half.
 
 
CSU regained momentum with a 8-2 run to start the third quarter. A Shania Kelly three-point evened the score, 55-55, before Sadia Johnson responded with a three-ball of her own to give WSU a 58-55 lead entering the final 10 minutes of play.
 
 
Baskets by Takyra Gilbert and Kelly gave CSU its first lead since the early stages of the game. Leading 65-63 with 6:46 to play, CSU missed its next six shots and committed two turnovers over a span of four minutes to allow WSU to go on a 8-0 run. The Warriors sealed the game from the line, converting seven of its final eight free throw attempts.
 
 
Johnson came off the bench to lead WSU with 19 points. Sam Cherney also provided a spark off the bench for the Warriors with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
 
 
Four of CSU's five starters scored in double-figures on Wednesday night. Gilbert led the Lady Marauders with a season-high 19 points, seven assists and three steals. Brooke Spaulding added 14 points. Bri'elle Johnson finished with 13 points while battling through foul trouble. Kelly scored 12 points and led the team with five rebounds.
 

CSU will return home to play Bellarmine on Saturday at 3:30 pm.
 


 
 
THE BASICS



Score: Central State – 70; Wayne State - 78

Records: Central State (1-2); Wayne State (2-1)

Location: Detroit, Michigan
 

 
 
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE


 
Gilbert, who was held scoreless in last year's matchup against Wayne State, bounced back by leading CSU with 19 points.
 
 
Johnson has put together three straight games of 10 or more points for the first time in her collegiate career.
 
 
With Wednesday's result, CSU is now 9-8 overall in the all-time series against WSU. The series dates back to the 1987-88 season.



UP NEXT



CSU will host Bellarmine on Saturday at 3:30 pm.
 



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