Central State Marauders fall to Benedict in opening round of SIAC Tournament


SAVANNAH, Georgia - The 2022-2023 season came to an end for Central State in a 79-67 loss to Benedict in Saturday's opening round of the SIAC tournament.


CSU trailed by as many as 13 in thr second half. Down 65-52 with 7:23 to play, the Marauders crept back into contention as freshman Steven Key II scored seven straight CSU points. Willie Jackson and Marcus Scott V each knocked down three pointers to cut the deficit down to three with 3:33 to play. Benedict responded as Dontavious King hit down back-to-back contested shots to give his team an eight point lead with 2:22 to go. CSU was unable to regain any momentum as the Marauders went 0-for-3 from the field along with two turnovers down the stretch.


The Marauders convereted 20 of 46 shot attempts (43.6%) while making five of 18 three-pointers (27.8%). BC shooters were slightly better, shooting 30-for-61 (49.2%) and nine of 20 from three-point range (45.0%).


Key II led all players with 23 points. Raevon Thomas added 11 points and eight rebounds.


13 players on BC logged points led by King's 15 off the bench.


The loss ends CSU's season with an overall record of 5-23. BC advances in the tournamwnt to play LeMoyne-Owen on Tuesday.