VIDEO: Highlights | Kate Peterson Abiad Postgame Comments
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland State women's basketball team used a second half surge to propel the Vikings to a 69-62 victory over Valparaiso Thursday evening, opening Horizon League play with a 1-0 record. The win also improves CSU to 9-5 overall this season, including a 7-1 mark at home.
Imani Gordon and Cori Coleman led the Cleveland State offense with 19 points each, while Coleman also grabbed seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Kiersten Green also tallied double-digits or the Vikings, notching 14 points, including two three-pointers – her ninth game with multiple three-pointers this season.
Alexis Eckles added eight points and a team-high nine points, while she tied her career-high with five blocks – the third time that she has notched five blocks this season.
After trailing for a majority of the first half, the Vikings were finally able to regain the advantage at the 12:52 mark of the second half, following a 14-8 run over the first seven minutes of the stanza. Cleveland State's first lead in over 25 minutes came off of a three-pointer by Chrishna Butler, while Coleman gave CSU a three-point lead on the next possession with a layup at the 12:21 mark.
The Vikings would go on to hold the advantage for the remainder of the contest, and even extended their lead to double-digits at the 1:44 mark after an and-one play from Imani Gordon.
With a 61-51 lead, and just under two minutes left on the clock, the Vikings were able to hold off the Crusaders posting a perfect 8-for-8 mark from the free throw line over the final 1:08.
Cleveland State forced Valparaiso into 16 turnovers, while the Vikings committed a season-low six turnovers. The Vikings were able to grab 12 offensive boards on the game, turning those rebounds into 19 second-chance points.
The Vikings will now have a week off from competition, returning to action next Thursday (Jan. 15) at Youngstown State. Cleveland State will take on the Penguins at 7:00 p.m.
