WILBERFORCE, Ohio – Davis & Elkins built a 17-point halftime lead and held on for a 73-68 win over Central State on Thursday.

Sharmaine Baker and Ashley Bowles each registered 21 points. Baker ripped down a team-best eight rebounds. Bowles buried 5-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc. Stephanie Wooten added 12 points.

Jasmine Cooper and Amanda Pierce each notched 10 points.

D&E made 16-of-21 attempts at the free throw line, while Central State converted on just 11-of-22 opportunities. The Senators buried 7-of-17 (41 percent) attempts from three, and limited CSU to just 3-of-20 made shots from beyond the arc. Central State held a 42-37 advantage on the glass.  The Marauders forced 26 turnovers, but only scored 16 points off the turnovers.

The Senators opened up an early 9-4 lead. CSU cut the deficit to 13-12 before a Bowles three ignited a 9-0 run by Davis & Elkins, making the score 22-12. Bowles nailed a trio of threes to help D&E close the half on a 20-8 blitz, extending the lead to 45-28 at the break.

CSU trimmed the margin to single-digits (45-37) with a 9-0 sprint to open the second half. The Marauders continued to methodically chip away at the lead, pulling within two at 67-65. D&E connected on 6-of-8 free throws in the final minute to close out the 73-68 win.

Davis & Elkins takes on conference-leader, Cedarville, on Saturday at 2 p.m.