CENTRAL STATE DEFEATS ECSU 77-64
Marauders Avenge Early Season Loss; Vikings Suffer First Setback of the Season

April Emory December 4, 2010

WILBERFORCE, OH- The Central State University Marauders handed the Elizabeth City State University Vikings their first loss of the season, a 77-64 setback at the Ben Waterman Classic Saturday afternoon.

It was the second time this season that the Vikings faced a deficit at the intermission (34-26). Ironically the other time ECSU trailed at the break was also by an 8-point spread (43-35) in their season opening win against Barton College.

Although they shot a season low 31 % from the floor, the Vikings battled back from a double digit second half deficit. A three-pointer by Trent Bivens with 8:53 remaining gave ECSU their first lead since the first half, 56-55. Central State responded with a 12-0 run to reclaim the lead and were never seriously challenged the rest of the way.

The Vikings only hit two baskets from the field in the game’s final 8 minutes; a layup by Lawrence Williams at with 1:50 remaining and a 3-pointer by Blake Price with 15 ticks left.

ECSU was outscored in the paint for the first time this season, a convincing 36-12 tilt in favor of Central State.

Deon Rice scored a team high 11 points off the bench for ECSU, all of which came during the Vikings’ come from behind effort in the second half.

Greg Rice led all scorers with 24 points for CSU.

The Vikings (5-1) will return to action when they host Washington Adventist on Sunday, December 19th at 3:00pm at the RL Vaughan Center. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.

April J. Emory