Dec. 31, 2001

Theo Dixon and Jamaal Harris scored 16 points apiece as the Cleveland State Vikings downed Norfolk State, 79-69, at Goodman Arena Monday to ring in the new year with their fifth straight victory at home.

CSU, 6-5, dropped their home opener to St. Bonaventure but have rattled off five home wins since then.

"We played well in spurts after coming off a tough loss the other night," said Head Coach Rollie Massimino. "The young guys responded well and our defense was outstanding at times."

The Vikings raced out to a 21-9 lead midway through the first half and cruised into intermission with a 45-28 lead. The Vikes built a 24-point lead in the second frame, 78-54, with 2:10 to go. Massimino cleared the bench with approximately five minutes left.

Junior Tahric Gosley hit double figures for the fourth game in a row, tossing in 15 points, going 5-of-8 from the field and 5-of-7 from the line, to help the CSU cause.

Terrence Winston had a game-high 28 points for the Spartans, but Norfolk could not overcome its 19 turnovers and 29 fouls.

For the third straight game, the Vikings outrebounded their opponent, holding a 44-39 advantage on the boards. Sophomore Pape Badiane, playing for the first time this year after sitting out 10 games due to NCAA sanctions, led the way with seven boards in 20 minutes of action.

Cleveland State opens Horizon League play on Thursday when the Vikings travel to Loyola Chicago. Tip-off with the Ramblers is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.