ERIE, PA – Chicago State men's basketball struggled to keep pace with Mercyhurst's red-hot shooting, falling 90-68 on the road at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. Despite a strong performance from Jalen Forrest, who finished with 19 points, the Cougars were unable to contain the Lakers' offensive efficiency.
Mercyhurst came out firing, knocking down 10 three-pointers in the first half while shooting an incredible 66.7% from beyond the arc. Led by Jeff Planutis, who scored 32 points on 11-of-16 shooting, the Lakers built a 48-37 halftime lead. Chicago State tried to keep pace, with Forrest leading the way alongside Quincy Allen's 16 points, but defensive lapses allowed Mercyhurst to control the tempo.
Chicago State attempted to rally, cutting the lead to 10 points early in the second half, but Mercyhurst responded with another offensive push. The Lakers shot 60.4% from the field for the game, using crisp ball movement and strong inside play to extend their advantage. Chicago State's offense showed flashes of promise, but turnovers and defensive breakdowns proved costly.
Chicago State will look to bounce back in their next game, as they close the regular season on the road at Saint Francis (Pa) on Saturday.
About Chicago State Athletics
Chicago State University sponsors 16 Division I intercollegiate athletic teams and competes in the Northeast Conference 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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