Third quarter struggles costly in CSU's loss to Savannah State

12/2/2019 7:43:00 PM

Box Score Third quarter struggles costly in CSU's loss to Savannah State

SAVANNAH, Georgia – A lackluster second half performance doomed Central State in a 69-65 loss to Savannah State on Monday night.

Led by eight first quarter points from Sandra Guilford, CSU jumped out to a 24-19 lead after the first ten minutes of play. CSU led by as many as 10 in the first half but SSU fought back to narrow the deficit down to two, 38-36, at halftime.

CSU struggled to find any offensive rythm in the third quarter, scoring just two points in the first seven minutes of the second half. CSU made just three of 20 field goal attempts in the third period and trailed 54-44 entering the final 10 minutes of play.

Back-to-back baskets from Bri'elle Johnson helped CSU erase the double-digit SSU lead as the teams were knotted up, 61-61 with 5:02 to play. Brooke Spaulding gave CSU its first lead, 65-64, with two free throws with 59 seconds to play. Azhana Maxwell answered for SSU on the other end to put her team up by one with 57 second left. While corralling two offensive rebounds, CSU was unable to score on the other end. Amari Heard put SSU up 68-65 with a layup on the other end with 27 seconds left. A potential game-tying three-pointer from Johnson failed to fall as CSU suffered its fourth straight loss.

CSU claimed an edge in offensive rebounding, 17-11, but were unable to take an advantage as the teams finished tied, 10-10, in second change points.

SSU made 27 of 59 field goals (45.8%) while CSU was 24 of 71 from the field (33.8%), including just 23% in the second half.

Le'Andrea Gillis led SSU with 21 points and six rebounds. Maxwell came off the bench to finish with 17 points and six assists.

CSU was led by Spaulding and Johnson, who each finished with 16 points. Spaulding added a game-high five steals, four assists and six rebounds. Guilford was five of six from the field for 12 points. Shania Kelly added 12 points and five rebounds.

CSU will continue conference play on the road at Fort Valley State on Wednesday.

THE BASICS

Score: Central State - 65, Savannah State - 69

Records: Central State (2-6; 0-1), Savannah State (4-1; 1-1)

Location: Savannah, Georgia

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Bri'elle Johnson's 16 points is a season-high.

Brooke Spaulding finished with a career-high five steals.

Sandra Guilford started the game making her first five shots.

Savannah State re-joined the SIAC for the 2019-2020 season. SSU previously competed as a NCAA Div. I program in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

CSU was outscored 18-6 in the third quarter.

Four CSU players scored in double-figures (Johnson, Spaulding, Guilford, Kelly)

Shania Kelly's 12 points is a season-high for the forward from Fort Wayne, Indiana

.

UP NEXT

CSU will play at Fort Valley State on Wednesday at 5:30 pm.

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