The Central State Marauders emerged victorious with a hard-fought 66-61 win over Edward Waters in a Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup at Beacom/Lewis Gym in Wilberforce, Ohio, on November 30, 2024. With the win, Central State improved to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play.

The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams trading leads and ties in a fast-paced affair. Edward Waters came out strong in the first quarter, leading 17-16 after an efficient 53.8% shooting from the field. Central State, however, answered back in the second quarter, outscoring their opponents 22-20 to take a slim 38-37 lead into halftime.

The Marauders' defense stiffened in the second half, and while Edward Waters kept fighting, Central State maintained its edge with balanced scoring and timely plays. In the third quarter, the Marauders extended their lead by a narrow 14-15 margin, keeping Edward Waters at bay with a steady 48.2% shooting from the field. Despite a solid effort from the Tigers, Central State's depth and composure in the final quarter helped them pull away, closing the game with a 13-9 run.

Zhieyah Rolack led Central State with an efficient 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Ma'Kayla Williams added 7 points, and Jacquel Bronaugh contributed 10 points off the bench. The Marauders benefited from strong rebounding and excellent second-chance opportunities, finishing with 38 points in the paint.

Edward Waters, despite a valiant effort, struggled to maintain their shooting accuracy in the second half. Mia Morel led the Tigers with 16 points, including 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. Central State's defense, however, limited their shooting in the crucial moments, holding Edward Waters to just 18.8% from the field in the fourth quarter.

The game featured a balanced offensive effort from both teams, with Central State's bench contributing heavily, scoring 29 points compared to Edward Waters' 15. The Marauders also capitalized on fast break opportunities, scoring 9 points in transition. Despite the Tigers' late-game pressure, Central State held firm to secure the win, improving their SIAC record to 2-0 and giving them momentum heading into their next matchup.