By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information
Mattoon, IL---The Cincinnati State men's basketball team improved to 5-0 overall on the season with a 75-67 win over Mineral Area College in the championship game of the Lake Land Round Ball Classic on Sunday night.
In a game featuring two perennial powers in junior college basketball, the Surge found themselves down at halftime for the first time this season 35-33 to a Mineral Area team which entered the game with a 5-0 record.
The Surge would respond in the second half, gaining an 18-8 advantage in second chance points and a 36-30 edge in points scored in the paint leading to the 8 point victory.
"Mineral Area was by far the biggest challenge of the year so far," Cincinnati State head coach Andre Tate said. "They took away a few things that we are normally able to execute but our guys were able to adjust and make big plays in the second half. This is a great early season indication of where we are as a team."
Sophomore Winston Grays, who was named the tournament MVP, led the Surge on both ends of the floor, recording game highs in points (20) and steals (6). Freshman Trent Donald, a Winton Woods High School product, scored 15 points off the bench and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Forward Chrisean Marsden recorded his third double-double in a row with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
Improving to 5-0 on the season and currently ranked No. 20 in the NJCAA national poll, Cincinnati State returns to action on the road next weekend against Jackson Community College on Friday and Wayne County Community College on Saturday.
For more information on Cincinnati State athletics, please visit - www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics
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