Box Score Chicago State started strong and held off a spirited comeback attempt in the second half, winning 74-70 over Grand Canyon University at the Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Ill.
The Cougars improved to 7-22, 3-9 in the Western Athletic Conference. GCU fell to 16-13 overall, 7-5 in the conference. The loss created a three-way tie for second between GCU, Kansas City and Bakersfield.
In the first half, the Cougars were fast paced and on point with their shooting. The Cougars had a 12-6 run in the middle of the first half that put them up 37-24. At the end of the first, the Cougars led 39-26.
In the first two minutes of the second half, Chicago State led by 19 points, 45-26. Then Grand Canyon mounted a rally. The Lopes went on a 20-8 point run to pull within four of the Cougars, 58-54. The Cougars would later up their lead to 69-63 with just 1:52 remaining.
Needing a stop, GCU down 69-67 with 1:37 left, the Antelopes forced two missed Cougar shots, but allowed two offensive boards that eventually led to a foul that sent the Cougars back to the line, ending Grand Canyon's chances of a comeback.
Sean Hill (Chicago, IL/Harlan Community Academy High School) led the Cougars with 25 points.
Clarke Rosenberg (Skokie, Ill./Evanston Township) scored 22 points with 5 rebounds.
Chicago State will play their final WAC regular season home game on Saturday where they face Utah Valley. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT
