The Cleveland State Women’s basketball team took on Central Michigan at the Henry J Goodman Arena in the Wolstein Center for a 2 p.m. victorious season home opener on Saturday, Nov. 18.
With 319 in attendance, the Vikings disclosed their 2023 Horizon League Tournament Championship and showed off their NCAA Tournament banner prior to the game.
CSU started the quarter off strong, leading with an 11-0 run. With six minutes left in the quarter, Central Michigan scored their first basket, ending the first of four with the Vikings leading 18-12.
Chippewas chipped away in the second quarter, cutting CSU’s lead down to three. In natural Viking fashion, CSU responded swiftly, putting the first half away with a score of 44-30.
Less than one minute into the third quarter, CSU extended its lead to 20 points after a 7-0 run. That lead would extend to 30 points midway through the same quarter, with a three point jumper from Carmen Villialobos.
Central Michigan wouldn’t score till the five minute mark, thanks to the Vikings defense. The quarter ended with CSU having a sizable lead of 42-76.
The Vikings proceeded to increase their lead in the fourth quarter, finalizing the game with a score of 96-57.
Senior Destiny Leo, surpassed 1,500 points with 17 points scored against the Chippewas. She ended the game with 1,516 total career points.
CSU currently has a record of 2-1, and will face Austin Peay, Chicago State and UMKC for the Viking’s second annual three-day invitational. The tournament will take place Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Nov. 25.