STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Chicago State University Cougars (1-13, 0-1 NEC) fell to Wagner (5-7, 1-0 NEC), 62-51, despite forcing 11 steals at the Spiro Sports Center Athletic Complex. The Cougars jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter but could not hold off the Seahawks.
Chicago State took an early lead in the first quarter, with
Elani Randall scoring a layup just 22 seconds into the game, assisted by
Natalia Williams.
Keona McGee played a significant role, contributing seven points, including a layup at 6:42 and multiple free throws. Notably, McGee has recorded at least 7 total points in 6 consecutive games, showcasing her consistent performance. The Cougars capitalized on Wagner's turnovers, with Williams and McGee each recording a steal that led to scoring opportunities. Despite Wagner's efforts, the Cougars maintained control, ending the quarter with a 17-8 advantage.
The tide turned in the second quarter as Wagner took control, overcoming CSU's initial lead with a strong offensive performance. Despite CSU's defensive efforts, with
Natalia Williams securing a steal.
Tania Allen provided a brief lift for the Cougars with a fast-break layup and a 3-pointer, but Wagner's cohesive play extended their lead to seven points at the halftime break.
Wagner maintained its lead over the Cougars in the third quarter, despite a tight contest.
Marisa Gant's 3-pointer at 8:25 pulled CSU within four points.
Natalia Williams contributed significantly for the Cougars, hitting a layup and two free throws, helping to narrow the gap. Williams totaled 13 points, exceeding her season average of 8.2, in an impressive display of her scoring ability. However, a tip-in lay-up extended Wagner's lead late in the quarter to close the quarter with Wagner leading, 45-40.
Chicago State attempted the late comeback. The Seahawks opened the scoring in the fourth with a jumper to extend Wagner's lead to 47-40. The Cougars responded with a quick succession, including an
Elani Randall tip-in, a fastbreak layup by
Kace Urlacher, assisted by
Natalia Williams, narrowing the gap to 47-45. However, a layup and free throws down the stretch helped the Seahawks maintain their lead. A late jumper by
Natalia Williams brought the Cougars to 50 points, as the Seahawks defeated Chicago State 62-51
Chicago State was led by
Natalia Williams with 13 points, three assists and three steals,
Tania Allen added nine points shooting 4/5 from the field.
Marisa Gant had eight points and four steals. Finally,
Keona McGee added seven points and two steals.
UP NEXT
Chicago State will be back in action to face LIU on Sunday, Jan. 4 The match up is set for 11 a.m. (CT) at the Steinberg Wellness Center in Brooklyn, New York.
