Marauders Drop Heartbreaker, 53–52, to Savannah State

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Central State men's basketball team battled to the final horn but came up just short in a 53–52 loss to Savannah State on Wednesday night inside Beacom/Lewis Gym.

Savannah State opened the contest with a 30–24 advantage at halftime, but the Marauders responded with strong energy in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 28–23 and setting up a dramatic finish. Central State had multiple chances late to take the lead, but Savannah State was able to hold on in the closing seconds.

Micah Bays led Central State with 15 points, going a perfect 8-for-10 from the free-throw line while adding five rebounds and four assists. Javantae Randle provided a strong presence off the bench with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds to record a double-double.

Ramar Pryor chipped in nine points, while Dimaunye Smith-Powe added seven points and three assists in limited minutes. 

Central State shot 40 percent from the field and forced Savannah State into 15 turnovers, converting them into 17 points. The Tigers held a narrow edge from three-point range, which proved to be the difference in the tightly contested matchup.

With the loss, Central State moves to 9–10 overall and 8–9 in SIAC play, while Savannah State improves to 10–8 overall and 10–6 in conference action.

The Marauders will look to bounce back as SIAC play continues this weekend at Beacom/Lewis Gym.