WILBERFORCE, OH – With its opponent on a run, the Kentucky State University defense stepped up lifting the Thorobreds to an 82-69 victory Saturday over rival Central State in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action at the Lewis Beacom Gymnasium. (Post Game Interview)

What was once a 10-point lead had been cut to two in a three-minute span, and the momentum was with the streaking Marauders. Kentucky State held CSU to 0-of-5 shooting with three turnovers and pushed the lead to seven. The bulge continue to grow, and was a game-high of 16 points on a steal and thunderous fast-break dunk by senior Ditalion Battle (Cincinnati, OH).

During the game-sealing run over the final seven minutes, the 'Breds limited CSU to 3-of-15 shooting and three turnovers.

Kentucky State fell behind early as the home team built an 11-point lead seven minutes into the game. Slowly, but surely, the Thorobreds chipped away at their deficit. Finally, back-to-back three pointers by Battle, a three-point play by senior David Jelks (Conyers, GA) and another layup by Jelks gave KSU a two-point lead.

However, a buzzer beating 3/4 court shot gave Central State the one-point halftime lead.

Three players finished with double figures, led by the 26-point effort by Battle, the SIAC's leading scorer. Jelks finished with 20 points for the second straight game, and added a team-high nine rebounds.

Senior Kevin Hayes (Detroit, MI) added 19 points, three rebounds and three assists, while senior Austin Sherrell (Detroit, MI) dished out a team-high six assists with eight points and eight rebounds.

Kentucky State (10-13 overall, 8-7 SIAC) returns to action 5:30 p.m. Monday, hosting Central State in the William Exum Center.