Hackensack, NJ – Chicago State closed out its season with a tough road match-up against Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), falling 90-61 at the Bogota Savings Bank Center in the semifinals of the NEC Tournament. The Cougars fought hard but were unable to overcome FDU's efficient shooting and dominant play in the paint.
FDU (28-3) set the tone early, jumping out to a commanding 28-10 lead after the first quarter. Chicago State (7-26) battled back in the second period, putting up 19 points, but the Knights' balanced offensive attack proved difficult to contain. FDU shot a scorching 51.7% from the field, including an impressive 48.3% from beyond the arc.
The Cougars were lead by NEC All-Rookie selection, Aiyanna Culver who had 19 points and three assists while Kace Urlacher added a team-high seven rounds. Tally Williams had nine points off the bench.
Chicago State showed resilience, outscoring FDU in the fourth quarter 15-13, but by then, the deficit was too large to overcome. The Cougars were aggressive in drawing fouls, converting 17 of their 22 free throw attempts (77.3%), yet they struggled from the field, shooting just 32.3% overall.
Despite the loss, Chicago State demonstrated flashes of strong play, particularly in rebounding, where they nearly matched FDU's total (37-38). However, the Cougars were undone by turnovers (15 total) and FDU's efficient fast break execution.
Chicago State advanced in the postseason for just the second time in program history and head coach Corry Irvin becomes the first Cougar women's head coach to lead her team to the postseason in her first season.
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 who compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, triathlon and volleyball.
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