Cleveland Reporter

VIKING VICTORY: Cleveland State Men’s Basketball Downs Canisius In OT For First Win Under Daniyal Robinson

The Cleveland State Men's Basketball team defeated Canisius College on Wednesday night in Overtime, 58-57. The Vikings(1-3) jumped out to a big lead, the Golden Griffins(1-2) responded, and Cleveland State dug deep in the extra session to emerge with the victory. The win is the first for Head Coach Daniyal Robinson in his career. 

Cleveland State featured a balanced offensive attack, with four of the five Viking starters finishing in double figures. Tristan Enaruna led the way with 15 points, along with 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. 

Tae Williams finished with 11 points, including the first basket in overtime to give Cleveland State a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Deshon Parker ended the night with 12 points, finishing six of eight from the floor. Parker also added six assists, four rebounds and a steal. Deante Johnson added 10 points, shooting at a 50% clip from the floor on the evening. 

The Vikings started fast, jumping out to a double digit lead early. Parker hit a layup, and Johnson followed with a jumper that pushed the lead to 12 at the 10:06 mark of the first half. The Cleveland State lead grew to as high as 15, when JaMir Price converted a fast break layup to make it 30-15 Vikings, forcing a Canisius timeout at the 1:30 mark. 

The Vikings played lockdown defense in the first half, holding Canisius to 28% from the floor, and out-rebounding the Golden Griffins 18-13. CSU held a 30-18 lead going into the halftime locker room. 

Canisius fought back in the second half. The Golden Griffins used a 14-2 run midway through the half to turn an 11 point deficit into a one point lead with just over five minutes to play. 

From there it was back and forth. Both teams traded baskets and the score was tied at 53 with 2:32 left in regulation. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead, but neither team scored another point the rest of the way, sending the game to overtime. 

The Vikings took the lead with the first basket of the extra session, and then staved off the comeback attempt from Canisius down the stretch. 

The Vikings are back at home on Friday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The game tips off at 7 p.m. In honor of Coach Robinson's first win, fans can purchase buy one, get one free tickets HERE.

Original source can be found here.