CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State University (4-17, 3-5 NEC) narrowly fell to Mercyhurst University (6-13, 6-2 NEC), 77-76, in a tense conference match up at Jones Convocation Center. Despite a strong 44-24 advantage in points in the paint and a 33-point contribution from the bench, the Cougars was unable to overcome a late deficit. Mercyhurst converted 24 of 27 free throws, sealing the victory in the final moments.
Chicago State began the first quarter with an assertive approach, quickly taking control with a series of successful plays in the paint.
Keona McGee opened the scoring with a layup assisted by
Tania Allen, setting the tone for a dominant presence in the key.
Brianna Hill contributed significantly with key rebounds and points, including consecutive free throws at 3:58 that extended the lead.
Mercyhurst struggled to maintain possession, evidenced by multiple turnovers which the Cougars capitalized on, including a layup by
Kayla Mount at 3:08.
Marisa Gant's three-pointer with 2:07 left helped maintain the Cougars' momentum. The quarter concluded with the Cougars leading 28–16.
Midway through the second quarter, the Cougars maintained control with a crucial layup by Gant at 7:50, extending their lead to 30–19. A timely three-pointer by
Kyara Champagne at 2:02 reclaimed momentum, pushing the score to 35–32. Despite Mercyhurst's attempts to close the gap, a late layup by
Paris Bass at 00:24 helped secure a 39–34 lead for the Cougars at halftime.
Chicago State built a lead midway through the third quarter with a series of strategic plays, including a decisive layup by McGee at 7:15, assisted by Gant, which pushed them ahead 43–39. The Cougars maintained their momentum with effective defensive maneuvers, such as a block by Mount at 5:58, contributing to their advantage. Mercyhurst, however, narrowed the gap with a late three-pointer tying the score at 55. Despite the close contest, McGee's layup with one second left sealed the quarter with the Cougars leading 59–57.
Chicago State began the fourth quarter trailing closely, as
Paris Bass tied the game at 60 with two free throws at 7:57. McGee's layup at 5:28 and Gant's jumper at 2:39 helped maintain a narrow lead. However, Mercyhurst responded with a three-pointer at 2:04, taking a 71–69 lead.
Despite a strong effort, including an in bounds play layup by
Kayla Mount at 0:08, the Cougars were unable to overcome Mercyhurst's late free throws. The game concluded with a final score of 77–76 in favor of the Lakers
Keona McGee achieved a career-high total of 25 points, made 10 field goals, and recorded two steals.
Marisa Gant added 14 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected five rebounds.
Brianna Hill contributed eight points and tallied three steals.
Paris Bass posted eight points and dished out two assists. Chicago State achieved a season high total of 76 points in the game this season.
UP NEXT
The Cougars next game will take place on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. (CT) as they travel to face Saint Francis University in a rematch in Loretto, Pennsylvania at DeGol Arena. The Cougars defeated the Red Flash 73-64 on January 22 and aim for the season sweep against Saint Francis next Thursday.
