By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information

Herriman, TN - The Cincinnati State women's basketball team lost on the road to Roane State Community College 83-72 on Thursday. 

Down by as many as 20 in the first half, the Lady Surge battled back to cut the halftime deficit to 11. Midway through the second half, Cincinnati State took a 7 point lead. Unfortunately, a short bench accompanied by poor rebounding and free throw shooting by Cincinnati State proved to be the team's downfall as Roane State was able to reclaim the lead and the victory.

"We spent so much energy getting back into the game," Cincinnati State head coach Sonya Beeler said. "Once we got the lead, we just ran out of gas and Roane State took advantage of it."

With the win, Roane State improved to 9-5 on the season.

The Surge shot 10-23 from the free throw line and gave up numerous extra possessions and second chance points to Roane State.

Missing from the Cincinnati State lineup was guard Hannah Stephenson, who did not play for disciplinary reasons. Of the seven active Cincinnati State players, freshman guards Ericka Fitzpatrick and Dawn Johnson were limited by foot injuries. 

Shouldering the load offensively for Cincinnati State was freshman forward Emily Fite. Fite finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Phylicia Johnson also contributed with 17 points. Alexus Chinn had a season high 15 points.

"In a loss, we did have some positives to take away," Beeler said. "Emily had another great game, Fe (Phylicia Johnson) and Alexus may have had their best games of the season."

Cincinnati State, which fell to 7-4 on the season, return to action at the Illinois Community College Holiday Tournament in East Peoria, IL. Cincinnati State opens the tournament against Kirkwood Community College on Dec. 28 at 2 pm.

For more information on Cincinnati State athletics, please visit -  www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics 

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