The Cleveland State Men’s Basketball team is gearing up for a challenging matchup against Southeastern Conference opponent Missouri. With Cleveland State fresh off an impressive 109-56 victory over Waynesburg, the Vikings aim to build momentum. Missouri, under the guidance of former Cleveland State head coach Dennis Gates, is riding a seven-game winning streak, setting the stage for an exciting encounter.
The Vikings have shown strong offensive capabilities, with three players averaging over 10 points per game. Dayan Nessah leads the charge with 15.5 points per game on a notable 54.7% shooting efficiency. Tre Beard closely follows, also averaging 15.5 points per game and excelling as the team’s best three-point shooter, boasting an impressive 48.7% success rate from beyond the arc. Josiah Harris contributes significantly, recording 10.1 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds per game.
The past week showcased a strong performance by Cleveland State against Waynesburg, achieving their most significant win of the season. Priest Ryan delivered a standout performance, scoring a career-high 21 points while adding eight rebounds and four assists. The team collectively shot a season-high 55.0 percent from the field, underscoring their offensive prowess.
Furthermore, Cleveland State leads the Horizon League in free throw attempts, averaging 25.5 attempts per game, and ranks 85th nationally for free throws made at 18.1 per game. This element of their game could prove crucial in tightly contested matchups moving forward.
The Vikings recently wrapped up their participation in the Greenbrier Tip-Off tournament, where they achieved a 1-1 record. After narrowly losing to Kent State, Cleveland State bounced back with a comeback victory over Radford, overcoming a 17-point deficit in the second half, highlighting their resilience and determination.
In an earlier home game, Cleveland State secured a narrow win over Capital University, marking the first victory for head coach Rob Summers. The Vikings shot effectively and maintained control for much of the game, showcasing their potential under new leadership.
As Summers embarks on his first season as head coach, he has assembled a talented coaching staff, including familiar faces who bring a wealth of experience. The new roster features a blend of fresh talent, with 15 newcomers and a strong infusion of transfers, positioning Cleveland State for an exciting season ahead.
With the combination of strategic leadership, emerging talents, and a resolve to overcome challenges, Cleveland State is poised to make a significant impact this season as they embark on this journey. The matchup against Missouri will be a crucial test of their abilities and ambition.