Nash paces Central State in win over Fort Valley State

 
WILBERFORCE, Ohio – Central State sophomore Kailyn Nash led the Lady Marauders to a 71-66 victory over Fort Valley State on Saturday.

 
With the win, CSU improves to 6-5 on the season with a 5-1 record in the SIAC. FVSU dropped to 2-7 overall and 2-4 in the conference.

 
CSU got off to a slow start and trailed 24-17 after the first quarter. CSU responded by going on a 19-4 run and took a 40-31 lead at half.

 
CSU maintained its distance in the third quarter and took a nine point lead into the final 10 minutes of play. The Lady Marauders led by as many as 15 in the fourth period as a Ciara Hardy basket gave CSU a 68-53 lead with 4:15 to play. FVSU made the score close with a 10-3 run but it would not be enough as the Lady Marauders went on to the six-point win.

 
CSU held a 22-10 edge in points off turnovers. CSU's bench outscored the FVSU reserves, 18-6. CSU was also efficient from the free throw line, making 27 of 36 attempts (75%).

 
Nash, who made 15 of 16 free throws, finished with 24 points and a career high 16 rebounds. Abbigail Peterson added 13 points off the bench while Hardu finished with 10 points.

 
Diamond Jones led FVSU's efforts with a game-high 30 points along with nine rebounds.

 
CSU returns to action on the road at Clark Atlanta on January 2.
 
 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

 
CSU has made 25 or more free throws in back-to-back games.

 
With the win, CSU is over .500 for the first time since Nov. 11, 2018.

 
Nash's 16 rebounds and 15 made free throws are the most by any CSU player this season.

 
Nash recorded her fourth double-double of the season.
 
 
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