The Cougars split their weekend with a win over Dyersburg State and a loss to Southwest Tennessee. This puts Cleveland state at 3-2 on the year, with a three-game homestand starting Tuesday.
Defeating Dyersburg State 87-66, the Cougars were led by sophomore forward, Victor Curry. Curry threw down a massive double-double, racking up 25 points on 6-16 shooting and 21 rebounds. With an impressive showing on the boards, Curry is currently ranked 5th in total rebounds in the NJCAA. Also contributing big was Tevin Olison, who scored 16 points on 3-6 shooting. Olison went perfect at the line, knocking down all 8 of his free throws. Darius Thurman also had a solid game, delivering 11 points and 6 rebounds. The difference in this game was the domination of the boards by the Cougars. Cleveland State outrebounded Dyersburg 50 to 28 in Friday's game.
Losing to Southwest Tennessee, 78-55, the Cougars were led by Tevin Olison who scored 17 points on 7-20 shooting. Also in the mix was Victor Curry who added 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Domont'a Wright had a solid game off the bench, totaling 9 points on 4-7 shooting, 8 rebounds, and an assist.
With a three-game week now in focus and only 4 games left in November, the Cougars will look to enter Christmas break strong, before they gear up for a 2nd half push. Cleveland State will take on Wallace State on Tuesday, Jackson State on Friday and Columbia State on Saturday. The two latter games will be key, as they are both NJCAA Region 7 members, just like the Cougars. Be on the lookout as Cleveland State defends their home court this week starting Tuesday, November 13th at 7:30 PM EST.