MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.  – Indiana State couldn't overcome a slow start as it fell to Central Michigan, 85-65, in the season opener on the road inside McGuirk Arena on Friday night.

Redshirt senior Cierra Ceazer and redshirt junior Joyea Marshall each led with 14 points each while freshman forward Regan Wentland added nine.  Marshall was also the team's leading rebounder with six boards and added a career-high five blocks.

Freshman guard Jennifer Mackowiak led with five assists and added seven points and four steals. The Sycamores were out-played in nearly every area of the contest as it trailed in rebounds (45-30), assists (17-14) and field goal percentage (47.0-40.0).

The Chippewas stormed out in the first quarter, making a statement in the game and taking a 21-8 lead after the first 10 minutes. It didn't get much better in the second quarter for the Sycamores, as they were out-scored 23-15 and trailed 44-23 at the half.  

Twelve of Ceazer's 14 points on the night came in the second half as Indiana State did manage to win the fourth quarter, 24-18. But it was a bit too late for the young Sycamore squad, whose roster features seven newcomers including five freshmen – three of which saw action in the season opener.

COACH'S CORNER

GAME CHANGER

CMU freshman Presley Hudson led the game with 21 points, including 14 in the first half. The Sycamores never really recovered after a 21 point first quarter by the Chippewas, as it got out-played in nearly every category.

SYCAMORE LEADERS

Points – C. Ceazer/J. Marshall (14)

Rebounds – Joyea Marshall (6)

Assists – Jennifer Mackowiak (5)

Steals  – Jennifer Mackowiak (4)

Blocks – Joyea Marshall (5)

RECORDS
Indiana State: 0-1

Central Michigan: 1-0

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

5 – Sycamores break their season opening win streak in the Friday night loss. ISU had previously won five straight season openers

5 – Redshirt junior Joyea Marshall led with a career-high five blocks

23 – Bench points for the Sycamores, led by freshman forward Regan Wentland who dropped in nine points on 4-for-5 shooting

UP NEXT

The Sycamores continue on their season opening road trip as it faces Northern Kentucky on Sunday. Tip is set for 1 p.m. ET at BB&T Arena in Highland Heights, Ky. and will be live on ESPN3.

For the latest information on the Sycamore Women's Basketball team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.