Contact: Renee Adam
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - Despite three players in double-digits the Cleveland State women's basketball team fell short against league-leading Green Bay, 52-49 Thursday evening. A strong Phoenix defense held CSU to its lowest point total of the season, as the Vikings fall to 10-6 overall and 2-1 in league action. Green Bay is now 13-2 overall and 3-0 in league play this season.
During the opening half the Vikings held Green Bay to 26-percent from the floor - closing out the frame with a 10-point lead at 24-14. Green Bay got out to an early 4-3 lead, but a strong CSU defense kept the Phoenix off the board for the next 5:26, while the Vikings posted a 9-0 run, gaining a 15-6 lead. Green Bay responded with a pair of baskets on the next two possessions, but that was as close as the Phoenix got during the first frame as CSU closed out the half on a 9-4 run.
Green Bay's 14 points during the first half was a season low for the Phoenix, while the .261 clip (6-23) from the floor is the second lowest of the season during either the first or second half.
The Vikings were able to hold on to a double-digit lead during the first 8:48 of the second half, until Green Bay went on a 13-2 run to gain its first advantage (39-37) since the 15:36 mark of the first half. On the following possession Cori Coleman hit her first three-pointer of the contest to put CSU back on top at 42-40 with 7:36 left to play.
The two teams traded baskets over the next 3:52, tying the contest three times over that span and trading leads six times. With just 2:22 left on the clock, CSU and Green Bay were knotted at 49-49 before Sarah Eichler banked in a three-pointer to put the Phoenix up, 52-49. Cleveland State was able to get off a pair of three-pointers in the final 15-seconds, but Green Bay was able to hold on for the three-point victory.
Shalonda Winton had a team-high 13 points and 12 rebounds for her 12th double-double of the season, while Coleman notched 12 points and five rebounds with Honesty King adding 10 points.
For the first time in the last four games CSU outrebounded its opponent, holding a 43-25 advantage. CSU's 43 rebounds included 12 offensive boards - with three coming from both Haley Schmitt and Coleman.
The Vikings will get back to action this Saturday (Jan. 19), hosting Milwaukee in a 2:00 p.m. contest.
