STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Chicago State (1-15, 1-0 NEC) secured a much-needed victory on the road against Wagner with a commanding second-half performance, claiming a 64-52 win at Spiro Sports Center. After trailing by a point at halftime, the Cougars surged ahead with a 38-point second-half effort, led by balanced scoring and stifling defense. Noble Crawford was a standout for Chicago State, finishing with 15 points and five rebounds, including key plays down the stretch that cemented the win.
Wagner started strong, leveraging a ten-point run in the first half to establish an early lead. Zaire Williams contributed a team-high 16 points for the Seahawks, keeping them competitive with his shooting and ability to attack the rim. Despite Wagner's efforts, they struggled to convert from beyond the arc, shooting just 19% on three-pointers. Their inability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities further compounded their struggles, allowing Chicago State to take control in the paint.
The Cougars' defense proved to be the turning point, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 22 points. Dailliss Cox was instrumental in the comeback, notching 13 points and seven rebounds while providing a steady presence on both ends of the court. Matthew Robinson added 11 points, including critical three-pointers that extended the Cougars' lead midway through the second half.
Chicago State's ability to control the tempo and execute in the final minutes ensured the victory, improving their record to 1-15 on the season and giving head coach Scott Spinelli his first win as Cougars head coach. The Cougars will look to build on this momentum in their next match-up at Long Island.
