Women's Basketball Battle Hard in NEC Road Contest at LIU

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (January 4, 2026) - Chicago State University (1-14, 0-2 NEC) fell to Long Island University (7-6, 2-0 NEC), 60-51, at the Steinberg Wellness Center. The Cougars led on seven occasions and forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 10 points, but were outscored in the paint 32-28. LIU secured the victory with a decisive 18-point fourth quarter, maintaining their unbeaten conference record.
 
The opening quarter saw a competitive exchange between the Cougars and LIU, with CSU initially taking control. Kace Urlacher contributed significantly with a three-pointer and a defensive rebound, pushing the Cougars to a 9-0 lead at the 7:11 mark. Tania Allen facilitated the offense with multiple assists and a steal, while Natalia Williams and Keona McGee added to the scoring with fast breaks. However, LIU responded strongly as Janessa Williams' free throw at 3:59 and a subsequent layup by Kadidia Toure in the final minute helped them edge ahead. The first quarter concluded with LIU leading 15-14.
 
In a tightly contested second quarter, Marisa Gant of the Cougars initiated the scoring with a jumper at 9:18, giving the visitors a slim edge. Allen extended the lead with a crucial three-pointer at 7:21, assisted by Brianna Hill. LIU responded with free throws from Toure, leveling the score at 19-19 with 6:18 remaining. Despite LIU's efforts, Williams secured the lead for Chicago State with a jumper at 1:10, followed by a successful free throw to bring the score to 26-24. The quarter concluded with Chicago State maintaining a narrow lead, outscoring LIU 12-9.
 
The third quarter saw LIU maintaining a narrow lead over the Cougars, finishing 42-40. Solangelei Akridge opened the period with a three-pointer at 9:40, assisted by Toure, putting LIU ahead. Williams responded with two jumpers in the paint for CSU, closing the gap to 31-30. LIU extended their lead with a fastbreak layup by Kionna Gaines at the 7:00 mark, assisted by Toure. Allen contributed a layup at 26 seconds, bringing the Cougars within two points heading into the final quarter.
 
In the final quarter, LIU extended its lead with an early jumper from Gaines, assisted by Akridge, setting the tone for the period. Laura Molnárová contributed significantly with a layup at 8:27, followed by a free throw, increasing the home team's advantage to 47-40. Toure's layups at 7:30 and 6:48 further bolstered LIU's score, while Akridge's three-pointer at 2:05 helped LIU reach 58 points. Despite Chicago State's efforts, including a fastbreak layup by Allen at 1:05, LIU maintained control, ultimately winning the quarter 18-11 and securing a 60-51 victory.
 
Looking ahead, CSU will host Fairleigh Dickinson on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. The game will take place at the Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois.