By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information
Cincinnati, OH---Five Cincinnati State players scored in double-figures to lead the Surge to a 106-54 win over Edison Community College in the 1st round of the NJCAA District XI Tournament on Tuesday night.
Freshmen O'Brien Hobbs and Devonte Smith each recorded 18 points to lead all scorers. Starting backcourt teammates Tom Jackson and Winston Grays each had 16. Tyler Fischl finished with 14 points off the bench. Hobbs and Jackson tied for a game high in assists with 7 each as the Surge won their 5th straight game, improving to 21-8 on the season.
As a team, Cincinnati State shot 52.% (11/21) from the 3 point line. The Surge forced Edison into 23 turnovers leading to a 36-2 advantage in points off of turnovers. Cincinnati State also out-rebounded Edison 40-26, resulting in a 28-6 advantage in second chance points.
Edison was led by Kelly Kirtz's 15 points. The Chargers finished the season with a 9-16 overall record.
"We played perfect team basketball tonight. Everyone excelled at both ends of the floor," said head coach Andre Tate. "We are playing some of our best basketball at the right time of the season."
Cincinnati State, which hosts this year's men's and women's district tournament, will play Owens Community College in the district semi-finals on Friday at 6 pm. Cincinnati State beat Owens in the previous meeting 90-82 on Feb. 16.
District I – Women 1st Round Results from Tuesday, March 5th
Sinclair 80, Columbus State 69
Sinclair advances to meet Owens on March 8, 3:00 at Cincinnati State
District XI – Men 1st Round Results from Tuesday, March 5th
Cuyahoga 81, Columbus State 65
Cuyahoga advances to meet Lakeland on March 8, 8:00 at Cincinnati State
Cincinnati State 106, Edison 54
Cincinnati State advances to meet Owens on March 8, 6:00 at Cincinnati State