Cleveland State men’s basketball turned a Friday night loss into a triumphant weekend as it rebounded to defeat Purdue Fort Wayne 67-55 on the road Saturday at the Hilliard Gates Sports Center, earning a share of the Horizon League regular season championship, alongside Wright State.

It’s the Vikings first share of the Horizon League regular season title since the 2010-2011 season. It’s also their most conference victories in program history, eclipsing the 1992-1993 season when they earned 15 wins in the Mid-Continent Conference.

Trailing through the first half on Saturday, the Vikings regular season finale showcased all of their heart and determination and the “lessons” they had been learning throughout the year. The team came together with an all-around effort to out-score the Mastodons by 20 points in the second half, erasing a sluggish start.

“I’m extremely proud of our guys, we fought, and it was a tough game,” Cleveland State head coach Dennis Gates said. “We fought and never gave up.”

The Vikings (16-7 overall, 16-4) had four players in double figures as junior Tre Gomillion finished with 18 points while senior Torrey Patton notched his fourth double-double of the year with 16 and 10 rebounds. Junior guard D’moi Hodge had 13 points and senior forward Algevon Eichelberger chipped in 11 with 33 minutes off the bench.

Cleveland State earlier let a golden opportunity to sit alone atop the Horizon League standings slip away when Wright State lost on Friday. Unable to capitalize, the Vikings fell to the Mastodons on the same day, 75-68.

That loss threatened to carry over to Saturday’s game as Cleveland State was down 10 points in the first 10 minutes of play to the league’s second-worst team.   

The Mastodons (6-14 overall, 7-14) took a 30-22 lead into the break. But that’s when coach Gates elected to give North Ridgeville freshmen Jeremy Sanchez his opportunity to earn his stripes. Sanchez’s high energy resulted in a steal and a bucket to help cap a 14-5 run, trimming the lead to 35-34.

Hodge gave the Vikings their first lead shortly after with a transition three from deep. Purdue Fort Wayne’s Jalon Pipkins responded with a bucket of his own. He led the Mastodons with a team-high 17 points.

Sanchez’s intensity again came into play, snagging a loose board for a put back to give the Vikings another slim lead. Sanchez finished with four points. 

The Vikings then seized control with a 14-2 run led by back-to-back three pointers from Hodge and Craig Beaudion.

Cleveland State’s calling card defense took center stage on the night, forcing 17 turnovers while only relinquishing possession six times. The Vikings tallied 20 points off turnovers as they continued to apply pressure to the Mastodons.

The Vikings also kept control near the rim, notching a 38-20 advantage for points in the paint. Cleveland State attacked the basket vigorously, forcing their way to the free throw line, where they were 16 of 21 in the second half.

As Purdue Fort Wayne continued to linger, Cleveland State delivered the final blow with a 12-5 run to put the game away. The team let out a euphoric celebration as the clock hit zero and the regular season grind came to a close. 

The Vikings, who are the top-seed in the conference, will host a Horizon League Tournament Quarterfinal at the Wolstein Center on Tuesday, March 2 at 7 p.m.