BROOKLYN, NY – Chicago State fought hard but couldn't overcome LIU's dominant inside presence, falling 68-57 at the Steinberg Wellness Center in the quarterfinals of the NEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Despite a 17-point effort from Jalen Forrest, the Cougars struggled to slow down LIU's offensive attack in the paint.
Forrest led a trio of Cougars in double figures on Wednesday. Joining Forrest was Gabe Spinelli with 15 points, Quincy Allen with 15 points while Matthew Robinson added 10 rebounds.
Chicago State started strong, exchanging early leads with LIU, but the Sharks took control midway through the first half. Malachi Davis was a force, scoring 22 first-half points as LIU built a 36-28 halftime lead. Chicago State had six lead changes in the first 10 minutes but couldn't sustain momentum against LIU's relentless rebounding and second-chance scoring.
The Cougars kept fighting in the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits with a 6-0 run early in the period, but LIU answered back with an 8-0 run of their own, extending their lead to 21 points with 8:31 left to play. Davis finished with 35 points, leading the way for LIU, while Shadrak Lasu dominated the boards with 12 rebounds. Chicago State struggled in transition, allowing 15 fast-break points to LIU while managing just four of their own.
The Sharks were led by Malachi Davis who had a game-high 35 points and seven rebounds while Shadrak Lasu posted a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Jamal Fuller contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. Brent Davis also added eight boards,.
The Cougars conclude their first season in the NEC with a 4-28 record.
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.
