Men’s basketball shows why last season was not a fluke winning six straight

The Vikings once again begin the Horizon League season 2-0 taking down NKU and WSU with ease

The defending Horizon League champions have picked up right where they left off this season, being one of the most dominant teams in the league. Since the Vikings’ loss to the Ohio University Bobcats, the team has gone on an absolute tear winning six straight games, all at home.

Currently, the Vikings are undefeated in the Horizon League recently, taking down both Northern Kentucky University and Wright State University. The Vikings have been an offensive machine this season, scoring 70 or more points in seven of the ten games they have played this season.

Senior Torrey Patton has continued to be a key component of the Vikings offensive attack as he scored his second 20-point game of the season against NKU. The team’s play this season has comprised a quick offensive push followed by a strong defensive stand. They continue to tire out their opponents while staying in great shape, the entire game rarely faltering. The Norse had a five-minute scoring drought in the first half of the game, with CSU up by 16.

Senior Deante Johnson celebrates with his teammates following another win. Photo courtesy of Vikings Athletics

Even more impressive about Cleveland State’s win over NKU is that they did not have their first three-pointer of the game until there was 3:28 left in the game when senior D’Moi Hodge hit one to put them up 68-51. The final score against NKU was a 72-58 win for the Vikings.

The following game against Wright State was another impressive performance from the Vikings against a Horizon League rival. Unlike the game against NKU, Cleveland State tied their season record with nine three-pointers. Patton led the team with 10 assists as sophomore Jayson Woodrich led the scoring attack with 17 points. This was Woodrich’s career-high in points, which included five of the nine three-pointers that Cleveland State scored.

Sophomore Jayson Woodrich throws up three fingers to celebrate making another three-point shot. Photo courtesy of Vikings Athletics

This has been the second year in a row that Cleveland State begins the Horizon League season 2-0, a good sign for the future of this team for the rest of the season. The story for Cleveland State this season has been points in the paint and points from the bench. They continue to outscore teams in these categories and it is a great thing to have, especially during the time of playoffs.

The Vikings will next play on Dec. 13 against Oklahoma State as they will begin a five-game road trip before coming home to play Purdue Fort Wayne on Jan. 5.