VIDEO: Highlights
VIDEO: Postgame Comments
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland State women's basketball team got back in the win column Saturday afternoon, earning a 78-70 victory over UIC on Senior Day. Haley Schmitt, CSU's lone senior, finished the contest with eight points and six rebounds. The win puts CSU at 14-14 overall this season and 9-6 in Horizon League play.
The Viking offense was led by four players in double-figures – Adesuwa Aideyman and Kiersten Green both with 17 points, Imani Gordon with 16 points, and Cori Coleman with 15. Gordon and Green were both just shy of double-doubles, Gordon with eight rebounds, and Green with a team-high nine boards.
After the Flames controlled play throughout the entire first half, and the beginning of the second half, Cleveland State was able to gain just its second lead of the contest (49-47) at the 13:01 mark of the second half following an Aideyman layup. Leading up to Aideyman's layup, the Vikings went on a 7-2 run, including a three-pointer from Aideyman, swinging the momentum into Cleveland State's favor.
The Vikings' advantage didn't last long though, as UIC responded with nine straight points to regain a seven-point lead at the 56-49 mark with 9:49 left on the clock. Over the next 4:03 the Vikings went on a 12-4 run though, gaining a 61-60 advantage with just over five minutes left to play. CSU gained this advantage on yet another Aideyman layup, and would hold at least a four-point lead for the remainder of the contest.
Cleveland State was able to gain its largest lead of eight twice throughout the final 5:02, first after a pair of free throws from Kiersten Green, and then after a pair of free throws from Coleman. Over the final five minutes, CSU got 12 of its 17 points from the free throw line, as the Vikings were 12-for-16 from the charity stripe during this stretch.
After another pair of converted free throws from Coleman with just 14 seconds left, the Vikings ended the contest matching their largest lead of the game at 78-70.
For the contest, CSU shot 45-percent from the floor (27-for-60), including a .484 clip (15-for-31) during the second half. The Vikings grabbed 41 rebounds against the Flames, outrebounding UIC, 41-39.
The Vikings will close out the regular season next Saturday (March 8), traveling to Youngstown State for a 2:05 p.m. contest. Links for live stats and live video are available on the women's basketball schedule page at CSUVikings.com.
