Contact: Renee Adam
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - With four players scoring in double-figures for the second time this season, the Cleveland State women's basketball team was able to earn a 67-55 victory over Ole Miss Tuesday evening. Tuesday's victory marked CSU's first-ever win over an SEC team, while it also extended the Vikings' win streak to five straight games. CSU now stands at 6-4 on the season, while Ole Miss falls to 6-3.
Cori Coleman led the Vikings with 20 points against Ole Miss, including a career-high tying four three-pointers. Shalonda Wintonwas just shy of a double-double, notching 17 points and nine rebounds, while Imani Gordon added 12 points and eight boards.Kiersten Green tallied 10 points, two assists and two steals, and Honesty King chipped in eight points and six rebounds
Cleveland State got out to a strong start, opening the contest on a 15-0 run that included four points from Gordon and four points Winton. Ole Miss was finally able to get on the board six minutes into the game, and posted a 12-2 run over the next 4:49 to bring the contest within five points at 17-12. Five straight points from Winton extended CSU's lead back to double-digits though, putting the score at 22-12 with 6:49 left in the first half. The two teams traded baskets to close out the frame, with the Vikings going into the break with an 11-point advantage at 30-19.
During the second half the Vikings were able to hold a double-digit lead for the majority of the frame, including a 15-point advantage (34-19) just 52-seconds in, following layups from Coleman and Winton. The Rebels were able to cut the lead to eight-points (41-33) after posting an 8-3 run, but King responded with back-to-back three-pointers on CSU's next two possessions to give the Vikings a 47-33 lead.
Over the next 4:33 CSU extended its lead to 17-points, the largest lead of the contest, at the 57-40 mark and controlled play for the remainder of the frame. With 7:17 left on the clock, Ole Miss went on a 7-0 run, but a pair of three-pointers from Coleman and two free throws from Winton once again gave the Vikings a 16-point lead (65-49) with 3:43 left to play. CSU was able to hold strong throughout the remainder of the contest, earning the 67-55 victory.
For the fourth straight game CSU shot at least 40-percent from the floor, notching a .438 clip (21-for-48) against the Rebels. The Vikings recorded a season-high five blocks on the game, including three from Winton. The CSU defense held Ole Miss to 27-percent from the field, along with a 26-percent mark from three-point.
Cleveland State will continue its four-game homestand this Saturday, hosting New Hampshire at 1:00 p.m.
