Governors State came out with intensity and never looked back, locking in a dominant 73-53 win over Viterbo in the CCAC Playoffs quarterfinals. The Jaguars set the tone early, holding the V-Hawks without a field goal for the first several minutes of the game and jumping out to a commanding 14-1 lead.

From the opening tip, GovState controlled the game. Da’Naria Washington was relentless on defense, putting pressure on Viterbo’s guards and keeping them scoreless from the field in the first five minutes. Cencere McDaniel was everywhere, picking up two early steals, including one she finished herself to push the lead to 8-1.

On the offensive side, Tabetha Jones was in rhythm early, draining a mid-range jumper to make it 14-1. Moments later, she swiped a steal and took it coast-to-coast for another easy two, forcing a Viterbo timeout. The Jaguars continued to pile on, and as the first quarter wound down, Kalvina Eubanks buried a deep three to cap off a dominant opening period, sending GSU into the second quarter up 21-9.

GSU didn’t let up in the second. Alayah Sprattling got things rolling with a smooth jumper from the wing, and though Viterbo answered with a three of their own, GSU struck right back to maintain a 28-12 lead. McDaniel came up clutch again, snagging another steal and drawing a foul to secure possession for the Jaguars. Izzy Agredano knocked down another three-pointer to keep the lead at 17 before Washington picked up another big steal and converted a layup to send GSU into halftime up 44-16.

Viterbo showed some fight after the break, but the Jaguars had built too big of a cushion. The visitors cut into the lead with a strong third quarter, but Sprattling and McDaniel helped GSU keep control with timely baskets and defensive pressure. Jones continued to be a force, finishing with 14 points, four assists, and two steals, while McDaniel stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, six rebounds, four steals, and two assists.

Despite a late push from Viterbo, GSU never let them back into the game. The Jaguars closed it out strong, advancing to the CCAC Playoff Semifinals on Friday, Feb. 28. Their opponent and location are yet to be determined, but one thing is clear—Governors State is locked in and ready for the challenge.

By the Numbers:

• Tabetha Jones: 14 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL
• Cencere McDaniel: 12 PTS, 6 REB, 4 STL
• Kalvina Eubanks: 11 PTS, 5 AST
• Alayah Sprattling: 11 PTS, 3 AST
• Izzy Agredano: 6 PTS (2 threes)