Cleveland State Head Coach Evelyn Thompson said it best: "As always, a trip to Southwest proves to be hard-fought. We knew it was going to take a total team effort in order to pull out the victory." And pull out a victory they did winning the closely contested game 59-56. The Saturday November 12 road win vs Southwest moves the Cougar record overall to 2-2 and conference mark to 1-1.
Tied at the half 28-28 Cleveland outscored Southwest by two in the third quarter and one in the fourth for the eventual win. Tionna Baker with her toughness and tenacity set the tone for Cleveland State scoring 23 with seven steals and two assists. Coach Thompson referenced Baker's tremendous leadership as she also came up big at the charity stripe dropping in 11 on 12 attempts.
Destiny Remy who had 14 points and eight rebounds hit a three pointer at a key time of the game swinging the momentum to the Cougars. Laney Bone who has been a rebound machine for the entire year pulled down five offensive boards and seven off the defensive glass ended the game with 10 points giving her yet another double- double.
Thompson specifically mentioned the growth of her point guard Latisha Parris saying: "Even though Latisha picked up three quick fouls early in the first half she played smart while playing hard aggressive defense for the entire game." Parris indeed was in attack mode grabbing seven rebounds with five being offensive while also producing six points, three assists and two steals.
As is always necessary on a win especially on the road, Cleveland State received solid bench play from Anijah Matthews, Anika Smith and Zoe Staniszewski. Coach Thompson stated: "Our bench kept us energized and focused in what was truly a total team effort win."
Cleveland State is back at home on Wednesday November 16 to play yet another conference game this time vs Walters State. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. and will be played in the L. Quentin Lance Gymnasium on the campus of Cleveland State. Admission charge for the public is $8 per person with no admission charge for Cleveland State students.
