Chicago, IL — Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) extended its winning streak, holding off a determined Chicago State squad for a 74-70 victory at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center on Tuesday night.
FDU (20-3, 10-0 NEC) controlled much of the game, leading for 37 minutes and 37 seconds, but Chicago State (3-23, 3-8 NEC) kept the pressure on, making a late push in the fourth quarter.
The trio of Josie Hill, Aiyanna Culver and Tally Williams led the offense for the Cougars. Hill lead the way with 18 points and 8 rebounds while Culver added 12 points and six assists. Williams was crucial off the bench adding 11 points, including going 5-of-5 from the floor.
Chicago State came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring FDU 23-20, cutting the deficit to just three points (59-56) heading into the final period. The home team had momentum and capitalized on fast-break opportunities, with Tally Williams contributing key buckets off the bench.
In the fourth quarter, FDU built a 14-point lead with 4:38 left, thanks to Babore and Teneisia Brown, who controlled the paint and grabbed clutch rebounds. However, Chicago State responded with a 12-2 scoring run, pulling within two points with 42 seconds remaining after a Marisa Gant three-pointer.
Down the stretch, Brown and Renninger hit key free throws to ice the game, securing FDU's 74-70 victory.
The game started with FDU jumping out to a 17-11 lead in the first quarter, fueled by sharp three-point shooting (3-8, 37.5%). Both teams traded baskets in the second quarter, with Ava Renninger and Abaigeal Babore leading the charge for FDU. Chicago State matched the visitors step for step, as Josie Hill and Aiyanna Culver combined for a strong offensive effort. At halftime, FDU held a 39-33 lead.
Ava Renninger and Abaigeal Babore each added 17 points to lead FDU while Teneisia Brown grabbed 14 rebounds.
Chicago State will look to get back in the win column on Saturday when they welcome Le Moyne to the Jones Convocation Center for a midday contest.
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.
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