JACKSON, Tenn. – The Lane College men's basketball team closed out a dramatic SIAC battle Monday night, holding off Central State (Ohio) 83–80 at J.F. Lane Gymnasium.

The Dragons (6–9, 6–7 SIAC) overcame a two-point halftime deficit and delivered a strong second-half performance, outscoring the Marauders 50–45 after the break. Lane leaned on timely shooting, aggressive transition play, and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch to secure the win.

Chase Murray led Lane with 21 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding eight rebounds. Elijah Lewis provided a huge spark off the bench with 20 points, including 7-of-8 shooting from the free-throw line, while Jarrell Love recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Elijah Greer Dawson filled the stat sheet with 12 points and five assists as Lane placed five players in double figures.

Central State (8–8, 7–7 SIAC) held a 35–33 lead at halftime behind Javantae Randle's inside presence. Randle finished with a game-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Ramar Pryor added 17 points and nine boards. Khalil Luster and Micah Bays each scored 11 for the Marauders.

The second half featured seven lead changes as both teams traded runs. Lane used its speed in transition to score 24 fast-break points and connected on 55.6 percent of its three-point attempts in the second half. Murray and Lewis combined for several key buckets during an 18–8 run midway through the half that gave the Dragons momentum.

Central State had chances late, pulling within two points in the final seconds, but Lane sealed the game at the free-throw line, shooting 84.6 percent from the stripe for the night, including 13-of-14 in the second half.

Lane finished with a 26–17 advantage in bench points and controlled key possessions in the final minute to hold on for the three-point SIAC victory.