Box Score CHICAGO — The Chicago State women's basketball team (0-2) suffered an 81-50 loss to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Blazers Saturday at the Jones Convocation Center.
"We didn't give up, but we can't put ourselves in a hole like that against a really good UAB team," head coach Tiffany Sardin said. "We have to start better."
In the first quarter, the Cougars came out hot as a drive to the basket by Quentarra Mitchell and a three-pointer for Allysah Boothe had the Cougars up 5-0.
However, the Blazers then proceeded to go on a 17-7 run that completely fizzled the Cougars as their hot start faded.
In the second quarter, the Blazers came out strong again, with senior forward Zakyia Weathersby powering home a few early buckets. The Blazers then went on to score two more three-pointers, bringing their run to a dominant 26-6. Margaret Whitley reigned as the three-point catalyst for UAB.
It wasn't until freshman Aaliyah Collins nailed a trey that the Cougars finally opened up their second quarter scoring, but UAB struck with a clear lead at 26-15.
"Aaliyah gives us great energy off the bench," Sardin said. "What else can you ask of a freshman of her caliber? We have to bring everyone else along with us."
This trend of play echoed throughout the rest of the quarter, as the Blazers powered into halftime leading, 35-25.
In the third quarter, UAB once again opened the scoring up with a three, this time courtesy of Maria Roters. The Cougars then answered right back, with a short jumper from Christina Britter. Nonetheless, the Blazers still held firm, leading, 61-40 at the end of the third.
For CSU, Collins continued to impress with scrappy defense and smooth finishing, while Nafatoumata Haidara, a transfer from Bamako, Mali, remained a strong defensive force.
The fourth quarter saw UAB remain in the driver's set, as the Blazers took the win, 81-50
The Cougars next face Western Illinois on Wednesday, November 17th at 6 p.m.
"We need to lock in and be much better defensively," Sardin said. "Just keep fighting. It's still early in the season."
Fans can purchase single-game, courtside and season tickets for both Chicago State women's and men's basketball at this link.
About Chicago State
Chicago State University Athletics is comprised of 15 intercollegiate teams involving over 150 student-athletes that compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and volleyball. CSU held memberships in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and NCAA Division II before transitioning to NCAA Division I in 1994. Melvin Bland was the first CSU student-athlete to gain NAIA All-American status in 1974 as a wrestler. Fred Evans became the first black swimmer ever to win a national championship in 1975. CSU's women's basketball team earned a spot in the 2011 Women's Basketball Invitational and CSU's men's basketball team won the 2013 Great West Conference Tournament title and made an appearance in the CollegeInside.com Postseason Tournament (CIT). The Men's Outdoor Track & Field 4x100-Meter Relay team were 2019 Honorable Mention All-Americans and WAC Champions. Their feat marked the first time the Chicago State's men's track & field program was represented at the national meet.
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