Lady Marauders beat Allen in opening round of SIAC Tournament


SAVANNAH, Georgia - The Central State Lady Marauders advanced in the SIAC tournament with a 79-68 victory over Allen on Monday.


Central State jumped out to an 8-0 lead and took a 18-6 advantage heading into the second quarter. After being held to one field goal in the first 10 minutes of play, AU bouned back to narrow the gap to seven at half as the Lady Marauders went into the locker room with a 32-25 lead.


In a back-and-forth third quarter, the three point shot began to fall for both teams. CSU went three for six from beyond the arc while AU shooters made four of seven from beyond the arc. Back-to-back baskets by Layla Turner helped CSU remain ahead with a 54-53 lead entering the fourth.


Leading for three quarters, CSU found themselves down by three with 5:18 left in the game after three-point makes by Keyshuna Fair and Destinee Jamison-Whitfield. Facing the deficit, the CSU defense stepped up and held AU to just one free throw in the final five minutes of the game while mounting a 10-0 run to regain control of the game. CSU forced six AU turnovers down the stretch while converting eight of 10 free throw attempts to seal the victory.


AU finished the game with 28 turnovers as CSU held a 30-15 edge in points scored off giveaways.


Kailyn Nash, who was recognized as an All-SIAC First Team selection prior to Monday's game, led CSU with 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. CSU guard Naomi Shorts finished with 15 points and four assists. Dashanti Miller led all players with 17 rebounds along with 14 points. Laurene Tere had 14 points and four steals.


Fair led AU with 18 points. Jamison-Whitfield finished with 12 points.


CSU continues SIAC tournament play on Wednesday against top-seeded Tuskegee at noon.



INSIDE THE BOX SCORE


In her second season as CSU head coach, Cathy Parson earned her first win in the SIAC tournament.


Nash finished with her ninth double-double of the year and 19th game of two or more blocks.


Miller's 17 rebounds is a new-season high for the sophomore from Sandusky, Ohio.


Naomi Shorts recorded a season-high in points (15).