Chicago State Open Home Schedule with a Win Against Winthrop

CHICAGO, Ill. - In front of a record setting crowd in the Jones Convocation Center, the Chicago State University women's basketball team held their annual education day game where the Cougars defeated the Winthrop Eagles on Wednesday afternoon. The Cougars were led by Aiyanna Culver who tied her career high with 33 points on the afternoon. It was also a record setting crowd as 1,523 fans filled the seats to watch the Cougars.

It was a defensive tightly contested game through the first half of play. The Cougars got off to an early lead to set the pace. Chicago State got up to their largest lead of 10 in the second quarter of play with Aiyanna Culver scoring 18 of her 33 in the first half. Kenoa McGee and Brianna Hill helped the scoring as well heading into the halftime break as Chicago State took a 29-22 lead. 

The second half saw a quick comeback by the Eagles to take the lead in the third quarter outscoring Chicago State 18-8 in the third frame. The Cougars answered with 22 fourth quarter points. The Cougars found themselves down six in the fourth when Kace Urlacher ignited a surge with a layup and a three pointed for five quick points to pull Chicago State within one. Culver answered the call as well stretching the lead with a layup and three pointer of her own. Late free throws by Keone McGee and Marisa Gant put the Cougars up by 6 late in the game. The game was sealed by Aiyanna Culver at the free throw to perserve a 59-54 win for the Cougars.

Aiyanna Culver led the Cougars tying her career high with 33 points, followed by Kace Urlacher with 11 points off the bench. Post players Jade Hamilton-Gill and Kayla Mount were big on the glass for the Cougars each grabbing seven boards. Kenoa McGee led the team with three assists and also grabbed five rebounds of her. Chicago State shot 40.8% from the field and 35.3% from long range. As a team the Cougars had 20 points in the paint, 14 points off turnovers, and 15 bench points. 

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Chicago State will continue into their non-conference portion of their schedule and will return to the court this Sunday, November 9 as they travel to take on the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish from South Bend, Indiana. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM (CT).