Central State's second half struggles lead to 78-60 loss to California (PA)

WILBERFORCE, Ohio - Hosting perennial women's basketball NCAA Div. II power California University of Pennsylvania on Monday, the Central State Lady Marauders struggled to score in the second half resulting in a 78-60 loss.

With the loss, CSU is now 0-3 overall while California (PA) improves to 3-1.


Central State jumped out to a 18-15 lead and maintained a three point lead, 35-32, at half. CSU guard Abbigail Peterson led her team with nine first half points while the CSU defense held California (PA) shooters to 30% from the field (12-40).

Roles seemed to go in reverse in the second half. CSU turned the ball over four times in the first three minutes of the half as California (PA) jumped ahead and led by as many as nine. A Halle Herrington three-pointer in the final second of the quarter put the Vulcans up 56-47 heading into the fourth quarter. California (PA) took full control early in the fourth period with a 14-2 run to extend the lead to 21-points by the 6:35 mark. CSU was unable to mount a signifact run as California (PA) cruised to an 18-point win.

As a team, CSU committed 19 turnovers, with 11 coming in the second half. CSU was outscored 21-8 off of giveaways and 23-8 on the fastbreak.

Kailyn Nash recorded a double-double for CSU with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Peterson led the team with 13 points.

Four California (PA) players scored in double-figures. Harrington scored 15 of her game-high 21 points in the second half to lead California (PA) to victory.

CSU returns to its home floor on Saturday at 1 pm against Edward Waters.