New Britain, CT – Chicago State University delivered a commanding performance on the road, defeating Central Connecticut 70-60 at Detrick Gymnasium. Behind a strong second-half surge and key contributions from multiple players, the Cougars secured a well-earned victory to advance to the conference semifinals in their first season in the NEC.
The victory marks the first postseason win for the Cougars since the 2011 season when they won the Great West Conference tournament title and played in the Women's Basketball Invitational. The Great West did not have an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Chicago State imposed its will in the paint, outscoring Central Connecticut 36-24 down low. Forward Josie Hill, the freshly minted All-Defensive team member, led the charge with a double-double, posting 21 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing her ability to control both ends of the floor. Hill's 21 points is a new season-high and her sixth double-double of the season and second consecutive.
Kace Urlacher also played a crucial role, adding 16 points and 4 rebounds, while knocking down key free throws to keep the Blue Devils at bay in the final stretch. NEC Second Team All-Conference selection Aiyanna Culver added 16 points and five assists, while Evangelina Parrish added 10 points and nine rebounds, give CSU four starters in double figures.
After a closely contested first half that saw Chicago State holding a slim 25-23 lead, the Cougars broke the game open in the third quarter. They outscored Central Connecticut 19-10, fueled by Aiyanna Culver's energy on both ends. Culver tallied 16 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals, setting the tone defensively while making crucial buckets.
The Cougars sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a 26-point explosion, shooting an impressive 53.3% from the field in the final frame. Their aggressive play also forced Central Connecticut into 15 turnovers, leading to 14 points off giveaways.
With this victory, Chicago State improves its record to 7-25 and looks to build keep that momentum as they head to Teaneck, NJ to take on No. 1 seed FDU on Thursday. The previous two matches with FDU have been decided by a combined 10 points with the last meeting being a 74-40 FDU win in Chicago.
Fans can catch the game action live on Thursday HERE and can follow along with livestats HERE.
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.
Follow the Cougars
For complete coverage of Chicago State University athletics, follow us on social media @ChiStateCougars (Twitter), @ChiStateCougars (Instagram), /ChiStateCougars (Facebook), or visit the official home of Chicago State athletics at GoCSUCougars.com.
