Box Score CHICAGO - In a game that came down to the wire, Chicago State outlasted Saint Francis in a dramatic 58-55 overtime victory at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center. A clutch performance by Aiyanna Culver, who scored 17 points and hit five three-pointers, helped propel the Cougars to the win.
Senior Evangelina Parrish helped propel the team to the win with 10 rebounds in her final regular-season game at the JCC while Josie Hill added a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Chicago State struggled offensively in the first quarter, shooting just 24% from the field and going 0-for-6 from three, allowing Saint Francis to take a 13-8 lead. However, the Cougars responded in the second quarter with an 18-8 run, fueled by Culver and Josie Hill, who provided key baskets inside to give CSU a 26-21 halftime advantage.
In the third quarter, both teams traded baskets, with Chicago State extending their lead to 11 points midway through the period. But Saint Francis refused to back down, led by Natalie Johnson, who finished with 25 points and 9 rebounds, bringing the game within striking distance.
The fourth quarter saw Chicago State struggle offensively, scoring just six points, allowing Saint Francis to tie the game at 50-50 and force overtime. However, in the extra period, the Cougars stepped up defensively, forcing Saint Francis into tough shots. Kace Urlacher knocked down a crucial late jumper, and Tally Williams' clutch free throws sealed the win for Chicago State.
Saint Francis was led by Natalie Johnson who scored 25 points, with nine rebounds while Ineivi Plata added 10 points and six rebounds.
With this gritty win, Chicago State looks to carry its momentum into the NEC Tournament which begins March 10.
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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