Cleveland State Falls in CBI Championship Game

Cleveland State University (CSU) Vikings fell to Illinois State 79-68 in the CBI championship game, concluding their season with a 23-13 record. Illinois State's superior shooting, including 55% from the field and 52% from three-point range, overshadowed CSU's performance. Prior to this, CSU secured a spot in the finals by defeating Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) 72-65, with significant contributions from Je'Shawn Stevenson and Tahj Staveskie. In the semifinals, FGCU's final scoring attempt fell short as Cleveland State capitalized on their free throw opportunities to secure the win. Earlier, CSU advanced to the semifinals with an 88-73 victory over Queens (N.C.), with standout performances from Staveskie and Dylan Arnett. Despite the championship loss, CSU's journey showcased strong performances, particularly from seniors Smith, Ebrima Dibba, and Chase Robinson.