Lady Marauders let lead slip away in loss to LeMoyne-Owen



TUSKEGEE, Alabama - The Central State Lady Marauders let a double-digit lead slip away due to second half struggles in a 68-58 loss to LeMoyne-Owen on Thursday.


CSU outscored LOC, 22-13, in the first quarter and led by as many as 14 in the second quarter. LOC manages to cut the deficit down to seven by half as CSU took a 39-32 lead into the break.


The Beacom/Lewis Gym rims seemed to shrink for CSU shooters in the third period as the Lady Marauders combined to make just three of 20 field goal attempts. Outscored 13-8 in the third frame, CSU clung to a 47-45 point lead heading into the final 10 minutes. LOC took its first lead of the game with 5:23 to go an never looked back. With CSU continuing to struggle offensively, converting five of 17 shots, LOC built a comfortable lead and marched to the ten point win.


Takya Bennett led LOC with a game-high 20 points and 14 rebounds. 


Laurene Tere led CSU's efforts with 14 points and six steals. Cathryn Jones scored 12 points. Kailyn Nash added 11 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.


With the loss, CSU drops to 4-17 overall and 2-14 in the SIAC. LOC upped its record to 10-12 on the season and 5-3 in the conference.


CSU hosts Miles on Saturday at 1 pm.





INSIDE THE BOX SCORE


LOC made 18 of 28 free throws compared to CSU's 6-12 performance from the line


CSU's 12 free throw attempts on Thursday is a season-low


Nash recorded her fifth game with multiple blocks