Central State Grinds Out Defensive Road Win at LeMoyne-Owen, 47-43

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Central State University Athletics women's basketball team leaned on defense, depth, and timely shot-making Wednesday afternoon to secure a 47-43 SIAC road victory over LeMoyne-Owen College inside Bruce Hall/Johnson Gymnasium.

In a game that featured six ties and six lead changes, the Marauders (6-19, 5-17 SIAC) made just enough plays down the stretch to close out the hard-fought win.

Slow Start, Strong Response

Central State opened the game shooting just 2-of-9 in the first quarter and trailed 12-7 after one. But the Marauders responded with their most efficient stretch of the afternoon in the second quarter, shooting 6-of-10 from the field (60%) to take a 21-21 tie into halftime.

The third quarter proved pivotal. Central State shot 50% (5-of-10) from the floor and held LeMoyne-Owen to 26.3% shooting in the period, building a narrow 35-33 advantage heading into the final frame.

Bench Production the Difference

Depth played a major role in the win, as the Marauder bench outscored LeMoyne-Owen 24-4.

Ma'Kayla Williams led Central State with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, while adding four rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes off the bench.

DeZarae' Stewart contributed six points and three assists, while Mikayla Young added four points and three rebounds in key reserve minutes.

Central State finished the game shooting 41.5% (17-of-41) from the floor and 50% (2-of-4) from three-point range.

Defensive Focus

The Marauders' defensive effort was the story. Central State held LeMoyne-Owen to just 30.8% shooting (16-of-52) and 23.1% from three-point range (3-of-13). The Lady Magicians were limited to just five points off turnovers, while the Marauders converted 17 points off LeMoyne-Owen miscues.

Central State also forced 20 turnovers and recorded seven steals in the contest.

LeMoyne-Owen was led by Janara Williams' 15 points and K'Myri Johnson's 12, but the Magicians struggled to find consistent rhythm offensively throughout the afternoon.

By The Numbers

• 24 bench points for Central State

• 17 points off turnovers

• 22 points in the paint

• Held LeMoyne-Owen to 30.8% shooting

• Six ties and six lead changes

In a grind-it-out conference battle, the Marauders showed resilience and composure on the road, closing the game at the free-throw line in the final minutes to secure the four-point victory.

Central State will look to build on the momentum as conference play continues this weekend.