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Highlights
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Behind Haley Schmitt's first-ever double-double, and two other players scoring in double-figures, the Cleveland State women's basketball team defeated Ohio University Thursday evening, 76-64. The win puts the Vikings at 4-4 this season, while the Bobcats fall to 3-4.
Schmitt's first double-double came on a pair of career-highs – 20 points and 10 rebounds. Imani Gordon was close to her third double-double of the season, as she posted 18 points and eight boards, while Kiersten Green tallied 13 points – her eighth double-digit scoring performance this season. Adesuwa Aideyman and Khayla Livingston both added nine points, while Cori Coleman pitched in seven.
During the first half, the Vikings were able to regain the lead for the first time since the opening minutes at the 1:11 mark, when Coleman drained her lone three pointer of the contest. Heading into the halftime break, Cleveland State held a slight 33-31 advantage over the Bobcats.
The Vikings were able to hold on to their slight lead throughout the opening part of the second half, until Ohio regained control at the 16:50 mark to take a 39-37 lead. Cleveland State then went on a 7-3 run over the next 2:24, gaining a two-point lead (44-42) that they would hold for the remainder of the contest.
The two teams traded baskets over the next few minutes, until CSU was able to gain a nine-point advantage – their largest lead up to this point – following a 5-0 run off of five made free throws. With 9:21 remaining, the Vikings held a 58-49 lead, until the Bobcats posted three-pointers on three straight possessions to cut the lead to two at 60-58 with 7:20 left to play.
The Vikings responded with an Aideyman three-pointer at the 5:46 mark to extend the lead back to five-points (63-58), and a Schmitt three-pointer on the Vikings' next possession gave CSU a seven-point lead (66-59) with just over five minutes left in the game.
CSU then closed out the contest on a 10-5 run, earning the double-digit victory – their second of the season.
The Vikings committed a season-low 10 turnovers on the night, while they forced Ohio into 21. CSU was then able to capitalize on those 21 OU turnovers, scoring 23 points off of the miscues. CSU had 17 assists on its 22 made field goals, including a game-high five from Green.
Cleveland State shot 84-percent from the free throw line (21-25) against the Bobcats – their highest mark of the season – including a career-high 12-for-14 performance from Gordon.
The Vikings will now have a week off from competition, returning to the court when they travel to VCU for a 2:00 p.m. contest on Sunday, Dec. 15.
