Savannah State beats Central State, 89-72

 
WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State Lady Marauders fell to the Savannah State Tigers, 89-72.

 
The loss drops CSU to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in SIAC play. SSU improves to 4-1 on the season and 2-0 in conference play.

 
SSU got off to a fast start in the first quarter, outscoring CSU 24-9. CSU cut the deficit down to four thanks to an 8-0 run with baskets coming from Nadya McCown and Kailyn Nash. The Tigers responded with a four-point trip on their next possession and went up by 15 at the break.

 
CSU remained within striking distance throughout the third quarter and cut the deficit, outscoring the Tigers 24-19. Amari Heard opened the fourth period with back-to-back baskets to put SSU up by 16 and the Tigers maintained a double-digit lead throughout the duration of the contest.

 
Led by Heard, SSU outscored CSU in the paint, 54-38. SSU converted 34 of 68 field goals (50%) while CSU made 27 of 75 attempts (36%). SSU was also efficient from the line, making 18 of 21 shots (85.7%) compared to CSU's 14-for-27 mark (51.9%).

 
SSU was paced by Heard and Nyla Allen. Heard made 13 of 21 shot attempts and finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Allen led all players with 28 points.

 
CSU was paced by Nash's 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Diamond Phillips came off the bench to finish with 13 points, six steals and four rebounds.

 
CSU returns to action on the road against Benedict on Saturday.