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CHARLESTON, Ill. – Chicago State men's basketball was doomed by a slow start on Monday (Feb. 24) at Eastern Illinois as the Cougars dropped the non-conference contest to the Panthers 84-62.
The Cougars fell behind 11-0 out of the gates, missing their first six shots and committing five turnovers in the process. By halftime the Panthers held a 40-25 lead. The Cougars cut the deficit to 10 points at 48-38 five minutes into the second half thanks to a 9-0 run. But 10 points would be as close as the Cougars would get.
EIU shot 61.7 percent (29-of-47) in the contest, the best shooting performance by a CSU opponent all year. It's only the second time under head coach
Tracy Dildy a team shot better than 60 percent in a game against the Cougars. The only other time being in Chicago State's loss at Notre Dame last season. Meanwhile EIU limited Chicago State to 36.2 percent (25-of-69) shooting.
As the Chicago State starters struggled, the Cougars turned to several newcomers. Freshman
Kurt Karis (Northbrook, Ill./Glenbrook North ) finished with a career-high eight points. He also added two rebounds. Junior
Jared Dimakos (Lincolnshire, Ill./Lake Forest Academy) was one short of a career-high with eight points and two steals. Freshman
Johnny Griffin (Ford Heights, Ill./Bloom Trail ) tied a career high with six points.
"The young guys fought and I'm happy with their effort," Dildy said. "I really liked what I saw from that group."
Senior
Matt Ross (Dixon, Ill./Dixon) tied a career high with 13 rebounds. Senior
Eddie Denard (Chicago, Ill./Foreman) led the Cougars in scoring with 14 points. Senior
Nate Duhon (Lansing, Mich./Sexton) provided 12 points off the bench.
The Cougars fall to 11-16. Eastern Illinois improves to 10-18. Chicago State returns to Western Athletic Conference play on Thursday with a visit to Seattle U. The Cougars and Redhawks will tip at 7 p.m. PT from Key Arena in the shadow of the iconic Space Needle.
