Central State University Athletics

TOLEDO, OHIO - In many ways the Marauder win against the Toledo Rockets on Tuesday night will go down as one of the top wins the program has seen under head coach Doug Lewis. The Marauders, who suffered a tough pre-season loss to Wright State last week, looked like a completely different team on Tuesday night.

On their way to a 56-49 victory, the Central State team shot 37.5 percent from the field, and 76.5 percent from the free throw line, including six in a row down the stretch to cap off the win. The Marauder defense made a stunning return on Tuesday night, holding Toledo to just 49 points. The Marauders held the Rockets to just 34 percent shooting, including only 4 of 21 (19 percent) from behind the arc. The Marauders also outrebounded the Rockets by a 44-40 margin.

“This is a big win for our program,” commented Central State Coach Doug Lewis on Wednesday. “Our guys really played well and came into the game with a lot of poise and maturity. It feels good to go on the road and get a big win like this, especially after such a disappointing loss at Wright State University. This game does a lot for our confidence heading into our regular season.”

The first half was a back and forth contest with neither team holding more than a five-point lead. The Marauders took a five-point cushion into the locker room at halftime 27-22. With 11:35 remaining in the second half the Rockets seemed to be gaining control and took the lead 36-34. The Marauders responded and went on an 8-2 run to regain the lead at 42-38 with 8:56 left in the game. The Marauders stayed in control the rest of way by taking care of the ball and making their free throws when they needed them most.

Central State Senior F Gino Smith led the way with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore G Cole Prophet chipped in with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Central State played without star Junior F Anthony Passley, who was held out of the game for disciplinary reasons.

Toledo Junior F Mouhamed Lo had 15 points and also grabbed six boards to lead the Rockets. Junior F Justin Anyijong had a game-high 20 rebounds to go along with 11 points in the losing effort.

Central State returns to action next Tuesday night at 7pm, when Wayne State University comes to Beacom Lewis Gymnasium.