Highlights | Kate Peterson Abiad Postgame Comments
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Behind a career-high 20-point performance from sophomore Alexis Eckles, the Cleveland State women's basketball team defeated Notre Dame (OH), 83-67 Saturday afternoon, improving to 3-2 overall this season and 2-0 at home.
Eckles posted her 20 points on a 9-for-11 performance from the floor and a 2-for-2 effort from the free throw line in just 14 minutes of action. She also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, including three offensive boards.
The Vikings had three additional players finish in double-figures – Adesuwa Aideyman (13 points), Kiersten Green (12 points), and Brooke Smith (11 points).
As a team, Cleveland State shot 47-percent from the floor (33-for-70), and 45-percent from three-point (10-for-22). The Vikings recorded 26 assists on their 33 made field goals, with Imani Gordon and Cori Coleman both notching six assists on the game.
For the first time this season, CSU outrebounded its opponent, grabbing 38 boards while Notre Dame (OH) notched 36.
After an up-and-down first half, the Vikings trailed by one point (36-35) at the halftime break, but it didn't take long for the Vikings to right the ship and gain control of the contest in the second half of play.
Cleveland State started the second half on an 11-0 run, including six points from Eckles, putting the Vikings back on top at 46-36 with 16:27 left to play. CSU was able to extend this run to 16-4 over the next 1:14, gaining an 11-point advantage (51-40) with just over 15 minutes remaining in the game.
After Notre Dame (OH) closed the gap to single digits (60-51) at the 10:12 mark following a 6-0 run, Cleveland State answered with a pair of three-pointers from Green and Allison Mitchell to put the Vikings back up by double-digits for good at the 67-53 mark. Over the next three minutes, the Vikings outscored the Falcons 10-3 to gain a 21-point advantage at 77-56 with 5:21 left to play.
During this stretch, Coleman hit her lone three-pointer of the game, and is now tied for third all-time at CSU with 163 career three-pointers.
The Vikings were able to hold strong over the last five minutes of play, coming away with the 16-point victory.
Cleveland State will return to the road on Tuesday (Dec. 2), traveling to Eastern Michigan for a 7:00 p.m. contest. Links for live stats and live video can be found on the women's basketball schedule page at CSUVikings.com.
