ERIE, Pa. — Chicago State (6-17, 5-5 NEC) edged Mercyhurst (7-14, 7-3 NEC), 68-64, with a decisive 19-14 third-quarter advantage and 15 second-chance points.
The first quarter began with Mercyhurst taking an early lead, opening with a three-pointer at 9:41. CSU responded with a layup from
Tania Allen at 8:50 to get on the board. Despite turnovers, the Cougars managed to keep pace, highlighted by a three-pointer from
Marisa Gant at 3:06, narrowing the gap to 13-11. Mercyhurst managed to hold onto a slim lead, ending the quarter at 17-13.
Chicago State shifted momentum in the second quarter with a series of key plays, including
Chloe Sisco's back-to-back 3-pointers at 5:44 and 5:22, which helped narrow the gap. The visitors capitalized on turnovers, with
Keona McGee contributing a steal that set up
Brianna Hill's jumper, extending their lead to 31–28. Despite Mercyhurst's attempts to close the gap, including a layup with 51 seconds remaining. The Cougars trailed at halftime 33-32.
The Cougars surged ahead in the third quarter with a crucial scoring run, highlighted by
Tania Allen's pivotal 3-pointer at the 12-second mark. McGee contributed significantly, securing defensive rebounds and converting free throws, which helped maintain pressure on Mercyhurst.
Brianna Hill's defensive efforts were essential, securing rebounds and adding a late free throw to widen the gap. Chicago State outscored Mercyhurst 19–14 in the quarter, ending with a 51–47 lead.
CSU secured momentum early in the fourth with
Chloe Sisco's 3-pointer at 8:24, pushing their lead to five. Despite a back-and-forth stretch,
Kyara Champagne's layup and free throw at 3:47 extended CSU's advantage to four, a critical cushion in a tight contest. In the closing minutes,
Kace Urlacher's jumper at 0:53 widened the gap, and crucial free throws by
Keona McGee and Urlacher in the final seconds sealed the win. The game ended with the Cougars defeating Mercyhurst 68-64.
Chloe Sisco scored 12 points, converting four of her seven attempts from beyond the arc.
Tania Allen posted a strong defensive game with two blocks and two steals, alongside her 11 points and eight rebounds.
Keona McGee recorded 10 points and led the team with five assists while adding two steals to her performance.
Kyara Champagne led the scoring with 14 points, making five of her eight field goal attempts and contributing three assists.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will host Central Connecticut State University on Thursday, Feb. 5 for the Cancer Awareness Pink Out Game. The game is set for 6 p.m. at the Emil & Patricia Jones Convocation Center.
