Lady Marauders Extend Winning Streak with 72-58 Victory Over Allen University
Columbia, SC (January 4, 2025) – The Central State Lady Marauders continued their strong play in SIAC action, improving to 6-1 in conference play with a dominant 72-58 win over Allen University at Adams Gymnasium. The victory helped Central State raise its overall record to 7-5, while Allen dropped to 7-5 and 4-3 in the conference.
The game was closely contested early, as Allen held a slim 18-12 lead after the first quarter. The Lady Marauders struggled to find offensive rhythm in the opening period, shooting just 40% from the field. However, their defense kept them within striking distance, limiting Allen's chances.
In the second quarter, Central State began to assert itself, outscoring Allen 17-13 to cut the deficit to just two points at the half, 31-29. The Lady Marauders' defense and improved shooting – particularly from the free-throw line – allowed them to climb back into the game. Central State connected on 66.7% of their free throws in the second quarter and had a balanced scoring attack.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point in the game, as the Lady Marauders exploded for 24 points, outpacing Allen 24-18. Diamond Phillips was instrumental during the period, scoring 12 of her 16 total points, as Central State's offense gained momentum. The Lady Marauders also benefitted from a dominant performance in the paint and strong bench contributions.
The fourth quarter saw Central State pull away, as they outscored Allen 19-9 in the final 10 minutes to seal the victory. The Lady Marauders' defense stifled Allen's offense, limiting them to just 15.8% shooting in the fourth quarter. Central State also capitalized on fast-break opportunities, scoring 21 points on the break.
Leading the way for Central State was Diamond Phillips, who finished with 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Abbigail Peterson contributed 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist, while Samara Gibson added 9 points and 5 assists. Nadya McCown provided a solid effort off the bench, scoring 10 points and grabbing 3 rebounds in 21 minutes of play.
Allen was led by Taliah Wesley, who had a strong outing with 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Morgan Smith added 10 points, while Peighton Jambor came off the bench to score 11 points. Despite a solid effort from their top performers, Allen struggled to get their offense going in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Central State's depth was a key factor in the win, with the bench contributing 48 points compared to just 23 from Allen's reserves. The Lady Marauders' defense was also a significant factor, as they held Allen to just 25.9% shooting for the game, including a dismal 15.8% in the fourth quarter.
As the Lady Marauders move forward in the SIAC standings, their performance against Allen shows that they are not only a dangerous offensive team but also one of the top defensive units in the conference. Central State will look to continue its strong play as they prepare for upcoming matchups in the conference.
Key Performers:
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Central State (OH):
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Allen:
- Taliah Wesley: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
- Peighton Jambor: 11 points, 7 rebounds
- Morgan Smith: 10 points, 4 rebounds
The Lady Marauders will return to action on January 7th when they face Lane College in another crucial SIAC matchup.
