Central State Marauders Fall Short in Double Overtime Heartbreaker to Miles College

The Beacom/Lewis Gymnasium in Wilberforce, Ohio, was buzzing with energy as 1,645 fans packed the stands to witness a dramatic double overtime showdown between the Central State Marauders and Miles College. In a contest that had everything — intense action, clutch performances, and high-stakes drama — the Marauders came up just short, falling 82-81 in heartbreaking fashion.

From the opening tip-off, it was clear this would be no ordinary game. Central State started hot, shooting an impressive 56.5% in the first half, led by senior Steven Key II, who had a stellar first half with 5 field goals, including a key three-pointer. Key's 18-point, 10-rebound performance was a standout for the Marauders, and his energy was instrumental in keeping the team competitive throughout the game. Khalil Luster also made his presence felt, contributing defensively and adding 8 points in the opening half. But the Marauders struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities, allowing Miles College to keep things tight. By halftime, Central State held a 40-33 lead, but the game was far from decided.

Miles College, determined not to let the game slip away, came out with renewed energy in the second half. The Miles tightened up defensively, limiting Central State to just 32% shooting, and Alvin Miles took control of the game.  Alvin Miles scored 16 of his game-high 28 points in the second half. His clutch free throws in the final seconds of regulation helped send the game into overtime, tying the score at 66-66.

The first overtime period was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm but refusing to give in. Miles College had a brief lead, but Central State responded with clutch plays from Key and Luster, pushing the game to another tie at 75-75.

The second overtime was a gut-wrenching emotional rollercoaster. Central State continued to battle, but shots just wouldn't fall as the team struggled with shooting, converting only 25% of their attempts in the second extra period. Despite the offensive struggles, Luster and Key kept fighting, with Luster contributing crucial baskets and Key continuing to dominate on the boards. But as the seconds ticked away and the game tied at 81-81, the final heartbreak came.

The Marauders, who had given everything they had, were left stunned and defeated. It was a game that could have gone either way, but it was Miles College that escaped with the victory.

For Central State, the loss was heartbreaking, but the effort of Khalil Luster, Steven Key II, and Brandon Scott were strong in the loss. Luster finished with 18 points and 2 assists, while Key posted 18 points and 10 rebounds. Scott contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds and 6 assists in a valiant effort that kept the Marauders in the game until the final seconds.

The numbers on the box score told the story of a contest defined by resilience, missed chances, and razor-thin margins. Central State shot 44.4% from the field, including 47.6% from three-point range, while Miles College finished with 41.4% shooting. The Marauders also edged out Miles in points in the paint, fast break points, and second-chance points, but in the end, it was again struggles at the free-throw line that made the difference for the Marauders, CSU managed to shoot just 57 percent from the line.