Central State edges Lane, 57-54
 
 
WILBERFORCE, Ohio - The Central State Marauders led for all of the second half and hung on to beat the Dragons of Lane College, 57-54, on Saturday.


With the win, CSU improves to 6-9 overall and 4-6 in SIAC play. LC falls to 8-9 overall and 4-5 in the conference.


CSU used a 7-0 run capped off by a Willie Jackson three pointer late in the first half to take a 31-27 lead into the locker room. A three-pointer and fastbreak dunk by Lavar Miller helped CSU push the lead to double figures, 38-27, in the early stages of the second half. LC remained in contention throughout the second half, cutting the lead down to one on three different occasions. After a Lane basket cut the CSU lead down to 53-52 with under a minute left in the game, Miller answered with a deep three pointer as the shot clock expired to put the Marauders up by four with 12 seconds remaining. After swapping free throws and surrendering a Lane basket, the Dragons last second heave to force overtime was off the mark as CSU celebrated the win on their homecourt.


Miller led all players with 24 points, making 8-of-12 shot attempts. Jackson came off the bench to add 15 points. 


As a team, CSU combined to make 9 of 24 three-point attempts (37.5%) compared to LC's 2-of-9 performance from the perimeter.


CSU hosts rival Kentucky State on Thursday at 7:30 pm.


 
 
THE BASICS

 
Score: Lane - 54; Central State - 57
Records: Lane (8-9; 4-5); Central State (6-9; 4-6)
Location: Wilberforce, Ohio
 
 
 
 
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE


 
CSU's defense gave up a season-low two three-point makes on Saturday.


Miller recorded his sixth game of 20 or more points this season. 


Jackson logged career-high in points (15) and minutes (33) on Saturday.


 CSU's field goal percentage of .385 is the lowest shooting performance in a win this season.