The clock struck midnight for the Cougars on Tuesday evening as they lost 83-66 to #8 Ranger College in the NJCAA National Tournament second round to end their Cinderella like run at a national title. They became the first 24 seed to ever win a game in the tournament on Monday.
The Cougars led the game for the first five minutes of the game 6-3, but then the Rangers went on a 12-0 run to build their lead up to 15-6 by the 12:47 mark of the first. Cleveland State cut the lead to just four with 2:32 left in the period. In the second half, the Cougars were unable to contain the Rangers, as they outscored Cleveland State 45-36 and built their lead up to as many as 23 points.
Maurice Dickson led the Cougars with 13 points and six rebounds. Demonte Person scored 11 and dished out a team-high four assists. Exavian Young and Kerry Pratt also reached double figures 12 and 11 points respectively.
