Erie, PA –– Mercyhurst secured a hard-fought 76-69 overtime victory over Chicago State in a thrilling contest at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center on Tuesday night.
The game featured 11 ties and six lead changes, with both teams battling until the final buzzer. Chicago State (3-21, 3-6) put up a valiant effort, but Mercyhurst (8-13, 5-5) made key plays down the stretch to secure the win.
Chicago State trailed by eight points heading into the fourth quarter but clawed back to tie the game in the closing minutes. Aiyanna Culver, who had a game-high 28 points and eight rebounds, led the charge, attacking the paint and knocking down crucial baskets to keep her team in contention.
Joining Culver in double figures was Josie Hill Josie Hill with17 points and six rebound while Evangelina Parrish added six rebounds and four assists.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc (2-for-15 from three-point range), Chicago State capitalized on its inside presence, scoring 46 points in the paint compared to Mercyhurst's 26.
Mercyhurst, however, answered back with timely shooting, especially from Jenna Van Schaik, who paced her team with 24 points, including two clutch free throws in the final seconds to force overtime at 62-62.
In the extra period, Mercyhurst caught fire, hitting 80% from the field, including three three-pointers. Allyson Ross, who struggled with her shot throughout the game (2-for-13 FG), delivered a critical three-pointer in overtime that gave Mercyhurst its largest lead at 10 points.
Lauryn Stover provided a much-needed boost off the bench with 14 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
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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