Cleveland State senior guard Destiny Leo is setting an impressive scoring pace in the early stages of the 2023-24 season.
The former North standout and reigning Horizon League Player of the Year came into a Nov. 18 nonconference home game against Central Michigan averaging 33.0 points through two games.
That gaudy number was tops in NCAA Division I women’s basketball, three points better than Iowa hotshot Caitlan Clark.
Leo wasn’t nearly as prolific offensively against CMU, notching a team-high 17 points as the Vikings used a balanced attack to breeze to a 96-57 victory over the Chippewas at Wolstein Center.
The Vikings improved to 2-1 with the wire-to-wire rout. CMU sank to 1-3.
Beyond the usual production from Leo, CSU got double-figure scoring from junior point guard Colbi Maples (14 points), senior guard Mickayla Perdue (14 points) and sophomore forward Joirdana Reisma (10 points).
Also tuirning in strong outings for the Vikings were senior guard Sara Guerreiro (nine points, game-high 12 rebounds) and fifth-year guard-forward Carmen Villalobos (eight points, six rebounds).
“This is something we know we’re capable of,” Leo said of the top-to-bottom offensive output. “We’re still a new team, learning how to play together. This game was a big step for us.”
Although she didn’t approach her current scoring average, Leo nevertheless had a significant impact on the course of the game.
In the opening moments of the first quarter, she cashed in a 3 -pointer and a driving layup as CSU raced to an 11-0 lead. The Vikings extended their lead to 44-30 at halftime.
Leo came out firing in the second half, too, again cashing in a 3-pointer and layup early in the third quarter as CSU used a 17-0 run to move ahead emphatically, 61-30.
CSU coach Chris Kielsmeier pulled Leo and his other starters midway through the third quarter. Kielsmeier was especially pleased with the way his team started both halves with decisive runs.
“We have the ability to do this,” Kielsmeier said. “This group didn’t quite grasp the system in our previous games. Today, they put it together.”
CSU swings back into action Nov. 22 against Austin Peay at Woodling Gym. Tipoff is 4 p.m.
THE SCORE
Cleveland State 96, Central Michigan 57