CSU men’s basketball continues their win streak: week recap – The Cauldron
Cleveland State men’s basketball has been nothing less than impressive this season.
The team is currently first in the Horizon League standings, boasting a conference record of 9-1 (.900) and an overall record of 15-6 (.714). The Vikings maintained this trend as they took on Detroit Mercy yesterday, Jan. 22, winning with a score of 65-50.
Cleveland State v. Northern Kentucky
Taking place on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Wolstein Center, the Vikings took NKU by storm, dominating with a final score of 76-58. Cleveland State’s Horizon League competitors put up a fight early on, but later crumbled to the Vikings.
Within the first four minutes of play, Northern Kentucky claimed a 6-2 lead, as Cleveland State responded with a three-pointer to keep the game close. That is, until the midway point of the first half when CSU sophomore Tahj Staveski scored back-to-back baskets, putting a five-point gap between the two teams.
The half came to a strong close with a score of 35-28 after the Vikings’ 5-0 run in the final minutes.
CSU carried the momentum into the second half, expanding upon their lead and giving the team a double-digit lead at the 17-minute mark, 40-30. The Norse continued to fight but couldn’t come any closer than a six-point gap.
The Vikings sealed their victory in the final minutes with a layup by senior Tevin Smith.
Cleveland State v. IU Indy
Shooting 47 percent from the field, the Vikings were able to maintain their win streak against IU Indy on Sunday, Jan. 19 in Indianapolis. CSU used the second half to battle back, and eventually take the 73-62 win.
The two teams were tied 9-9 in the first half, until IU Indy broke away with a 7-0 run, giving the team a 16-9 advantage. CSU was able to catch up at the eight-minute mark, bringing the score to a tie of 21.
The Vikings were then able to take advantage going on a 5-0 run, followed by a 8-0 to snatch a six-point lead. The Jaguars were able to respond, however, scoring ten of the last twelve points, to close the half leading by two, 33-31.
In the opening minutes of the second half, IU Indy picked up where they left off, expanding their lead to 7, 38-31. CSU was able to respond with a 21-1 run that would take control of the game. After back-to-back buckets from Cleveland State, the Vikings held a 52-39 advantage over the Jaguars.
CSU proceeded to add more cushion to their lead thanks to four free throws, courtesy of the ejection of IU Indy’s head coach, Paul Corsaro. The Jaguars were able to cut down the lead to five, but ultimately fell as the Vikings continued to expand their lead into double digits.
CSU senior Tevin Smith held 16 of the team’s points, with junior Dylan Arnett and KJ Debrick following with13 points.
The Vikings will be playing Saturday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. on home turf. Fans can also watch the games on ESPN+, or keep with the team further through the CSU athletics website.