CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State University (4-16, 3-4 NEC) defeated Saint Francis University (2-16, 2-5 NEC), 73-64, at the Jones Convocation Center, aided by 20 points off turnovers and 38 points in the paint.
Chicago State began the first quarter with a strong defensive presence, forcing six turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks.
Tania Allen contributed with a block early on, and the team excelled in the paint with 12 points.
Marisa Gant and
Paris Bass each hit three-pointers, advancing a scoring run that pushed the Cougars ahead. Midway through the quarter, the offense gained momentum with contributions from multiple players, including a three-pointer and a layup from Bass. A 7-0 scoring burst, featuring a fast-break layup by Allen, widened the lead. The Cougars maintained pressure, leading 24-13 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a noteworthy start as Chicago State capitalized on defensive pressure, with
Brianna Hill securing a key steal early on. Despite turnovers, the home team maintained momentum with
Keona McGee's tip-in and later extended their lead through a 3-pointer by
Kyara Champagne, assisted by Gant. Chicago State faced a challenge as Saint Francis countered with a series of 3-pointers, closing the gap. However, Bass delivered fast-break points, contributing to a six-point lead. The quarter concluded with CSU leading 38-32, maintaining their advantage despite Saint Francis's bench contributions.
Chicago State began the third quarter by exchanging baskets with Saint Francis, maintaining a narrow lead. Champagne's 3-pointer at 7:21 helped to extend the home team's advantage to 42–36. Despite turnovers and fouls, CSU maintained momentum with key defensive stops and a crucial steal by Gant, leading to a layup at 2:16, pushing the lead to 54–50. In the closing minutes, CSU's defensive efforts, including a critical steal by Hill at 0:27, set the stage for
Chloe Sisco's fast-break 3-pointer. This shot at 0:24 sealed the quarter with the Cougars ahead 57–52.
CSU opened the fourth quarter, extending their lead with a layup by Gant at 9:38. McGee added to the momentum with another layup, assisted by Allen at 8:04. CSU maintained their defensive pressure, securing important rebounds, and capitalized on Saint Francis turnovers to widen their advantage. Midway through the quarter, the Cougars continued to find success in the paint, highlighted by Allen's layup at 3:48, pushing the score to 65–56. The home team built on their lead with efficient free-throw shooting, including McGee's four successful attempts in the final seconds. CSU ended the quarter strong, outscoring Saint Francis 16–12, to secure a 73–64 victory.
The Cougars were led by
Keona McGee who led 20 points.
Tania Allen logged her second straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Paris Bass,
Marisa Gant, and
Kyara Champagne also all logged double digit scoring.
UP NEXT
The Cougars return home Saturday January 24 for the Epilepsy Awareness Game as they battle Mercyhurst University with tip-off at 1:00 PM (CT).
