CLEVELAND — Tevin Smith had 13 points and made the go-ahead basket in Cleveland State's 56-53 victory against NJIT on Tuesday night.
Playing at old Woodling Gymnasium as part of the Thanksgiving Throwback Tournament, the Vikings (4-4) overcame a six-point deficit in the final five minutes to snap a two-game losing streak. Smith's layup with 19 seconds left proved to be the game-winner, with the Highlanders missing a pair of field goal attempts as time wound down.
Smith shot 4 of 11 from the field and went 5 for 8 from the line. Cole Franklin scored 12 points and added three blocks, and Tahj Staveskie shot 2 of 4 from the field and 3 for 4 from the line to finish with seven points.
NJIT (0-7) was led in scoring by Tariq Francis, who finished with 24 points, six rebounds and five assists, although he did miss a potential tying 3-pointer as time expired. Tim Moore Jr. added eight points and two blocks, while Jordan Rogers also had six points.
CSU will continue its Woodling holiday slate with a game against Morehead State on Black Friday afternoon.
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
