CLEVELAND, Ohio – Behind a couple of key scoring runs, the Cleveland State women's basketball team was able to come away with a 76-67 victory over Morehead State Wednesday, improving their record to 2-3 on the season.
For the fourth time this season the Vikings had three players post double-digit points, led by Kiersten Green with 21. Imani Gordon bettered her career-high with 19 points against the Eagles, while Haley Schmitt added 11. Schmitt and Green both tallied a team-high seven rebounds, while Adesuwa Aideyman and Green notched four assists each.
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After letting the Eagles get out to an 11-0 run to open the contest, Cleveland State went on a 29-2 run over the next nine minutes to gain control of the contest and a lead that they would hold for the remainder of the game. The Vikings were then able to hold a double-digit lead until the final seconds of the half, when Morehead State converted a three-pointer as time expired to put the score at 33-25 going into the halftime break.
To open the second frame, CSU outscored the Eagles 14-4, gaining a 47-29 advantage with just over 13 minutes left to play. Over the next 6:13, the Vikings were able to hold at least a 12-point advantage until the 6:59 mark, when MSU closed the gap to eight points with another three-pointer. The two teams traded baskets over the next five minutes, until the Eagles were able to come within four points at the 66-62 mark following a pair of free throws.
The Vikings answered with a 4-0 run, scoring all four points from the free throw line – two from Green and two from Gordon. With the 4-0 run, the Vikings were able to extend their lead back to eight points at 70-62 with just 1:01 left to play. Over the final minute of play, the Vikings went 6-for-6 from the free throw line holding their advantage, and ending the contest with the nine-point victory.
For the game, CSU shot 51-percent from the floor (21-41), including a .619 clip (13-21) during the first half. The Vikings were able to capitalize on 22 Morehead State turnovers – notching 27 points off of the Eagle miscues.
Next up for the Vikings will be the ECU Pirate Thanksgiving Tournament, where CSU will face IUPUI and East Carolina. The first game of the tournament for CSU will be on Saturday, November 30, as the Vikings will face IUPUI at 5:00 p.m. Live Stats will be available for both contests at the ECU Pirate Thanksgiving Tournament, with links available on the women's basketball schedule page on CSUVikings.com.
