Box Score

Wilberforce, Ohio.-Junior guard Ray Croon returned to his old ways recording his seventh 20-point game of the season as Kentucky State University men's basketball dropped an 84-81 encounter at Central State University on Thursday night.

The Thorobreds (7-16, 6-10) currently sit in a three-way tie for the No. 3 seed of the west division standings with three regular-season games remaining over the next week and a half. The Marauders (10-14, 8-8) have guaranteed themselves at least the No. 2 seed of the west as they're currently tied with Lane College atop the standings at 7-2 against divisional foes.

After a 7-7 tie in the first two and a half minutes of action, CSU flipped into cruise control for the rest of the first half, leading for over 17 minutes. KSU made a move in the second half bringing the game to a tie on three separate occasions but couldn't overcome the hump against the home squad down the stretch.

Croon led the team with 24 points hitting 7-of-11 from the floor and a near-perfect night at the free throw line swishing 9-of-10. Earlier this season Croon recorded three straight game of 20 points or better ranging from Dec. 30 to Jan. 13. Opposing teams cracked down on the Detroit, Michigan native, keeping him under the 20-point line over his next three games, but since, has tallied two 20-point contests over his last three, for five over his last nine.  

Junior guard Ditalion Battle kept up his hot shooting for 22 points, hitting 6-of-13 from beyond the arc in 34 minutes of action. Battle has become the Thorobreds' second most efficient scoring threat as he has only been held to single-digit scoring once in 10 games, since being activated from injury on Dec. 30.

These two squads will be back at in less than 48 hours with a matchup in the Capitol City on Saturday at 6:30 pm ET inside the Exum Center. As a part of the homecoming festivities, KSU legends Elmore Smith, and Travis Grant will be honored at halftime of the men's game.