In the final home game of 2016, Central State fell to rival Kentucky State, 88-83, on Saturday night.
In the 107th meeting between the two programs, CSU opened the game on a 9-2 run with baskets from Robert Konteh, Tre Edwards and Anthony Chester. Kentucky State slowly battled back and pulled to with one, 17-16, midway through the first half. CSU built their lead back up to 9 after a Tom Johnson layup at the 7:02 mark. KSU's Tryston Ford and Malcolm Smith sparked a 14-0 run as each player hit from beyond the arc. A Reggie Breeden layup gave KSU a 34-31 lead with 3:11 left before halftime. CSU responded with a 7-1 run of their won to reclaim the lead and take a 39-35 edge into the locker room.
The Thorobreds came storming out in the second half and built a 49-43 lead after a Ford make at the 16:35 mark. KSU kept a two possession distance from the Marauders for the majority of the second half and a Ford three pointer gave KSU its largest lead, 71-64, with 9 minutes to play. The Marauders mounted another response with a 11-2 run capped off by back-to-back baskets from Edwards to give CSU a 75-73 lead with 5:26 to play. A Sean Cassidy, Jr. jumper gave CSU a 4-point lead with 3:10 to go. On the next trip down the floor, KSU used a free throw and an offensive rebound that concluded with another Ford three ball to knot the score up, 79-79, with 2:37 left on the clock. KSU claimed the lead on its next possession with a Breeden basket while its defense stifled CSU into three straight empty possessions. After KSU split a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left, CSU had one last chance to tie the game but committed a turnover with 5 seconds. Forced to foul, CSU sent Jordan to the line where he calmly sealed the victory for KSU with back-to-back makes.
"They did more than we did down the stretch," said CSU Head Coach Joseph Price. "I thought Tryston Ford really had it rolling and made some crucial shots to help his team to victory."
Ford finished with a game-high 28 points to go along with 7 rebounds. Breeden scored 16 points followed by 13 from Jordan. As a team, KSU shot an impressive 54% from the field. With the victory, the Thorobreds improve to 11-10 overall with a 9-6 mark in SIAC play.
Gilmore led CSU scorers with 14 points, converting 9 of 10 free throws. The junior guard also picked up a game-high 7 assists. Fighting foul trouble throughout the evening, senior Hosie Smith, Jr. recorded 13 points and 6 rebounds. Edwards and Cassidy, Jr. each had 12.
"We are going to continue to teach our players about the importance of execution," Price said. "We are looking forward to going on the road and finishing out strong headed into the conference tournament."
Falling to 9-13 on the season and 7-8 in the conference, Central State hopes to rebound this Thursday when they make the longest trip of the year to Mobile, AL to take on Spring Hill College.
For more information on Marauder Athletics, please visit –
www.maraudersports.com
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Monday, February 15th 2016 at 2:33PM
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