The win streak continues for CSU’s Horizon League stars – 𝔗𝔥𝔢 ℭ𝔞𝔲𝔩𝔡𝔯𝔬𝔫
Cleveland State women’s basketball hosted Horizon League competitors over the course of Valentine’s Day week, Feb. 11 through Feb. 17. The team came out victorious in two of the games held at the Wolstein Center, which added to CSU’s winning streak of five.
Valentine’s Day Brawl Against Oakland
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, also known as health and hoop day, CSU took on Oakland with 3347 in attendance. Within the first 10 minutes of play, CSU held an 18-12 edge over its competitor. Coming into the second quarter, Cleveland State was able to extend its lead to as much as 22-15 before Oakland went on a 9-2 run to tie up the game halfway through the quarter. CSU was able to close-out the half with a 5-0 run that would give it a 38-29 advantage.
The third quarter consisted of the two teams trading off the basketball, but ended with a run from Oakland that would cut down the Viking’s lead three, with a score of 53-50. Within a handful of possessions, the Vikings managed a comfortable 59-50 lead off of a 6-0 run. Cleveland State’s fifth year guard, Carmen Villalobos put up both a lay-up and three-pointer to give the Vikings a double-digits lead. In the final minutes, CSU was able to maintain its lead to bring the team to a 78-63 victory.
Cleveland State had some worthy statistics from the Wednesday night game. Sophomore Jordana Reisma recorded her third double-double of the season with 15 points, and 10 rebounds. While Senior Mickayla Perdue finished with 27 points to make it her twelfth 20-point scoring performance. Overall, the team shot 50 percent from the floor, forced 15 turnovers and recorded 12 steals.
A Weekend Victory Against Milwakuee
On Saturday, Feb. 17 the Vikings went to battle with Milwaukee with 621 in attendance on their annual Cancer Awareness day.
CSU had a strong start, with a 12-0 run within the first eight minutes. The frame closed out with Cleveland State holding a 16-9 advantage. It is to note that the Vikings recorded five steals and two blocked shots in the first quarter to hold the Panthers to a 4 for 12 performance.
Opening up the second quarter, Cleveland State maintained its momentum with a 8-4 run that would give the team a 24-13 lead in the first four minutes. Milwaukee was able to cut the Vikings lead to single digits nearly halfway through the quarter; however, CSU would respond with a 10-2 run to give the team a sizable 38-21 lead going into the half.
Cleveland State once again came into the second half with a chip on its shoulder, extending its lead to 51-32 to start off the fourth quarter. The Vikings were able to maintain their lead with a 7-2 run in the final minutes, which would bring them to a 64-51 victory.
During this game, four of Cleveland State’s players finished in double- figures: Junior Colbi Maples (15), Reisma (12), Senior Sara Guerreiro (12), and Sophomore Faith Burch (10). Overall, the team recorded 15 assists, 13 steals, and forced 16 turnovers.
The Vikings have remained undefeated at home, with a record of 15-0. CSU is currently the all-stars of the Horizon League, reigning in first place with an overall record of 23-4 (.852) and a conference record of 14-2 (.875).
Cleveland State will begin its three-game road trip starting Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. against IUPUI.