Marauders Cruise Past Kent St.-Tuscarawas with Strong Shooting Performance
Wilberforce, OH – The Central State Marauders secured a 76-62 victory over Kent State-Tuscarawas on Wednesday night, improving to 12-11 on the season and 7-8 in SIAC play. Behind a balanced offensive attack and aggressive defense, the Marauders controlled the game from start to finish at Beacom/Lewis Gym in front of a crowd of 1,411.
First Half: Establishing Control
Central State wasted no time setting the tone, building an early lead thanks to efficient shooting from deep. Brandon Scott led the charge, knocking down five three-pointers on his way to a game-high 22 points. The Marauders shot 46.9% from the field in the first half, including 6-of-18 from beyond the arc, helping them take a 39-28 lead into halftime.
Kent State-Tuscarawas kept things close early, with Mekhi Johnson (14 points, 8 rebounds) and Kyle Shockley (19 points) keeping their squad in the fight. However, Central State's defense forced 10 first-half turnovers, turning them into 13 points to gain the upper hand.
Second Half: Finishing Strong
The Marauders continued to dictate the pace after the break, shooting an impressive 53.8% from the field. Scott, along with Steven Key II (18 points, 5 rebounds), continued to attack the defense, while Raevon Thomas provided additional firepower with 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
Despite Kent State-Tuscarawas' efforts to stay within striking distance, Central State's defense held firm, forcing 16 total turnovers and capitalizing with 21 points off those mistakes. Inside play was also a key factor, with the Marauders outscoring their opponent 40-30 in the paint.
Javantae Randle anchored the defense with 11 rebounds and four steals, helping Central State maintain control down the stretch.
Key Performers:
- Kyle Shockley (KST): 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals
- Mekhi Johnson (KST): 14 points, 8 rebounds
With the win, Central State moves past the .500 mark on the season and looks to carry their momentum into their next matchup on Saturday, a huge game vs Spring Hill.
