TEANECK, N.J. -The Fairleigh Dickinson University (15-3, 5-0 NEC( women's basketball team thwarted Chicago State's (1-10, 1-4 NEC)upset attempts with a big third quarter which gave them a 49-43 win over the Cougars at the the Bogota Savings Bank Center on Monday. FDU's Ava Renninger led all scorers with 15 points, providing a crucial boost during critical moments of the game.
Chicago State started strong, utilizing efficient scoring in the paint to take an 18-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw CSU maintain their momentum, extending their lead to six points at halftime, with Kayla Mount and Aiyanna Culver contributing key buckets. However, the Cougars struggled with turnovers, allowing FDU to stay within striking distance despite their shooting woes.
Culver led the CSU scorers with 12 points while Mount added 11 off the bench.
FDU flipped the script in the third quarter, outscoring CSU 18-5. Renninger and Abaigeal Babore sparked the Knights' offense, combining for critical buckets, while the team tightened up defensively to neutralize CSU's attack. FDU's dominance on the boards, with Teneisia Brown and Babore securing pivotal rebounds, ensured that the Knights could capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
In the final quarter, CSU attempted a comeback, but FDU's clutch free throws sealed the win. Despite CSU's advantage in points in the paint and second-chance points, their poor shooting efficiency (29.0% field goal percentage) proved costly. The Knights maintained composure in the final minutes, extending their lead with key defensive stops and steady free-throw shooting to secure the victory.
About Chicago State Athletics
Chicago State University sponsors 16 Division I intercollegiate athletic teams and competes in the Northeast Conference (effective July 2024) with the exception of men's and women's tennis who will compete in the Horizon League during the 2024-25 season. CSU's athletic program includes over 150 student-athletes that compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, triathlon and volleyball. Â
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