Marauders Claw Back for Thrilling Win Over Spring Hill

The Central State University Marauders secured a hard-fought 84-79 road victory against the Spring Hill College Badgers on January 20, 2025, in a thrilling Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) matchup at the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center in Mobile, Alabama. The game was an emotional rollercoaster, with both teams battling fiercely, but the Marauders' second-half surge ultimately proved to be the difference.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Spring Hill came out strong, shooting an impressive 50% from the field, including 6-of-13 from beyond the arc. Walter Peggs Jr. was a standout for the Badgers, scoring 16 points in the first 20 minutes, including four 3-pointers, keeping the pressure on Central State.

The Marauders, however, kept pace with their own efficient shooting, converting 48.5% of their field goals. Brandon Scott was the standout for Central State, scoring 14 points in the first half. Alongside him, Steven Key II contributed 8 points, and Ramar Pryor added 7. After a back and forth first half the Badgers held a slight edge, leading 42-39 at the break.

Second Half: Marauders Take Control

The second half saw the Marauders come alive, particularly with their sharp shooting from the free-throw line. Central State, who had struggled with free throws earlier in the season, went a perfect 11-of-11 in the second half. That was crucial in their ability to chip away at the Badgers' lead.

Brandon Scott continued to lead the charge for Central State, finishing the game with a game-high 25 points, including 7-of-11 from 3-point range. His shooting was a key factor in the Marauders' offensive resurgence. Pryor also added to the scoring effort, finishing with 17 points, while Raevon Thomas contributed 13 points and a spark off the bench.

Spring Hill, led by Peggs Jr.'s 26 points and Steven Lyles' 18, fought back hard in the second half but struggled with their shooting efficiency. The Badgers hit just 13-of-28 shots in the second half, and their 3-point shooting went cold, making only 2-of-11. Central State's defense was able to clamp down and limit the Badgers' scoring opportunities, particularly inside the paint.

With a little over a minute remaining, the Marauders held a narrow 80-79 lead. The Badgers were looking for a late-game miracle, but Scott's clutch free throws, along with a solid defensive stand by Central State, sealed the victory.

Key Stats and Moments

• Central State's 3-point shooting was lethal, connecting on 8-of-17 attempts (47.1%).
• The Marauders capitalized on their fast break, scoring 16 points in transition compared to Spring Hill's 14.
• Spring Hill's bench was limited, contributing just 8 points, while Central State's bench put up a solid 29 points, with Savion Marshall-Hamilton scoring 8 points in just 12 minutes.

Looking Ahead

With the win, Central State improves to 8-10 on the season and 5-7 in SIAC play, while Spring Hill drops to 6-11 and 4-7 in the conference. The Marauders will look to build on this victory as they prepare for a home game vs LeMoyne Owen on Saturday..