Central State Rallies Past Kentucky State in Rivalry Showdown, 76-70
WILBERFORCE, OH – Central State (OH) stormed back in the second half to secure a crucial 76-70 victory over arch-rival Kentucky State in a pivotal SIAC matchup at Beacom/Lewis Gym. The Marauders outscored the Thorobreds 47-37 in the second half, fueled by efficient shooting and strong rebounding.
Key Performers:
- Brandon Scott dominated the glass with a double-double, tallying 15 points and 13 rebounds while hitting three shots from beyond the arc.
- Steven Key II provided steady scoring with 13 points, going 7-for-8 from the free-throw line.
- Isaiah Daniel made a significant impact off the bench, adding 14 points, including two three-pointers.
Game Breakdown:
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with Kentucky State holding a slim 33-29 advantage at halftime behind Aziel Blackwell's 21 points. The Marauders responded in the second half, shooting 58.3% from the field and knocking down clutch free throws to take control.
A key stretch late in the game saw Central State capitalize on Kentucky State's missed opportunities at the line (52.4% FT) and turnovers (13 total). The Marauders' bench also played a crucial role, contributing 24 points compared to Kentucky State's seven.
With the win, Central State improves to 15-13 (10-8 SIAC), strengthening its conference standing, while Kentucky State falls to 12-11 (9-9 SIAC). The Marauders will look to build momentum as they push toward postseason play and a potential home game.
