The Cleveland State women pulled out a victory in a tight contest at Chattaooga State on Saturday.
The Lady Cougars were down two at halftime before putting together enough at the end to pull out an 85-82 win.
"We made a strong surge at the end of the third quarter to give us the lead," said head coach Dan Lumpkin. "It was a great team effort with four players in double figures."
Freshman guard Leisa Butler led the charge scoring a team high 22 points while bringing down 14 rebounds. Sophomore forward Ny'Asia Holmes added 13 points while sophomore guards Keke Smith and Kelsey Ivey each scored eleven.
Despite Chattanooga State (13-9, 6-6) sophomore guards Sydney Sims scoring a game high 28 points and Teondra Crawford putting in 27, the Lady Cougars came together as a team to overcome their individual performances.
Cleveland State (17-4, 10-2) tallied 60 rebounds compared to the Lady Tigers bringing down 31 boards. The Lady Cougars also led the assist category 17-9.
Cleveland State gets back to action this Wednesday at Roane State (16-7, 11-1) in a game where a victory can put them in a tie for second place in the conference. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The Cleveland State men picked up their first conference road win since November 20.
The Cougars beat Chattanooga State 78-64.
"I thought it was probably our most complete game of the year on both ends," said head coach Lee Cigliano.
Cleveland State (8-10, 6-6) got out to an early lead and headed to halftime up 43-29.
The team's leading scorer, sophomore guard Darrion Leslie, led the way again putting in a game high 27 points along with grabbing eight rebounds. Sophomore forward Lawrence Castor had a bounce back game as today's second leading scorer with 23 points after being shut out in the Cougars last matchup.
The win puts Cleveland State two games up on Chattanooga State (16-8, 4-8) for sole possession of fifth place in the conference. The Cougars and Tigers split their season series.
Cleveland State is on the road again this Wednesday heading to Roane State (8-12, 4-8). Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m. The Cougars won their first matchup of the season against the Raiders at home in overtime.