CHICAGO - Chicago State (1-16, 1-1 NEC) claimed an electrifying 64-59 overtime victory over LIU at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center. The win was fueled by a balanced offensive attack and clutch performances in the game's final moments. Josie Hill led the Cougars with 15 points, shooting an efficient 6-for-8 from the field. Evangelina Parrish also shined, contributing 14 points and seven rebounds, while Kace Urlacher added critical free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
The contest was tightly contested throughout, with neither team holding a significant advantage. Chicago State displayed grit in the paint, outscoring LIU 26-18 in that category, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities with 10 points. Aiyanna Culver chipped in 15 points for the Cougars, including some key baskets in the fourth quarter to force the game into overtime. Meanwhile, LIU's Sirviva Legions led all scorers with 16 points, but her efforts were not enough to overcome Chicago State's defensive intensity.
The fourth quarter saw the Cougars battle back from a late deficit, with clutch plays from Parrish and Hill. LIU's Janessa Williams, who recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, kept the visitors competitive, but the Cougars' ability to generate 22 points off turnovers proved decisive. Chicago State also shot a stellar 83.3% from the free-throw line, capitalizing on critical opportunities when they mattered most.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Chicago State, as they snapped a losing streak to earn their first win of the season. The Cougars improved to 1-16, showing resilience and determination throughout the game.
