CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago St. (1-15, 0-3 NEC) fell to FDU (12-4, 3-0 NEC), 91-64, at the Jacoby Dickens Center on Thursday. Despite a strong 42 points in the paint and 14 fast-break points, the Cougars couldn't overcome a dominant 38-point third quarter by FDU, who maintained their unbeaten conference record. FDU capitalized on a rebounding advantage with 39 boards compared to CSU's 25, fueling their strong second-half performance.
The game began with
Keona McGee scoring a layup for Chicago State, assisted by
Elani Randall, to take an early lead. FDU quickly responded with a layup from Rebecca Osei-Owusu, leveling the score at 2-2.
Natalia Williams then contributed five points, including a three-pointer at 8:41, to help the Cougars maintain a slim advantage. However, FDU's scored six points in the paint, including the final layup with three seconds remaining, to close the quarter with an 18-15 lead over CSU.
Chloe Sisco's three-pointer at 8:56 tied the score at 18-18 early in the second quarter.
Keona McGee and
Elani Randall's successive layups helped the Cougars briefly take control, but the game remained tight.
Tania Allen's fastbreak layup with 14 seconds left tied it at 34-34. A three-pointer with 7 seconds to go secured a 37-34 lead for FDU as the quarter ended. Both teams scored 19 points in the second quarter, keeping the overall game score close.
FDU dominated the third quarter, scoring 38 points to CSU's 15. Chicago State's
Natalia Williams made efforts to close the gap with a layup at 8:16, but FDU maintained their lead with a strong performance from the free-throw line, including a 3-pointer at 2:56. The quarter concluded with FDU scoring the final layup, pushing the visitor's lead to 75-49.
The fourth quarter saw a balanced scoring effort from Chicago State, with
Brianna Hill contributing multiple key plays. Hill scored a fast-break layup at 9:09, assisted by
Natalia Williams, and added another layup later, to keep the Cougars within striking distance.
Keona McGee also scored effectively, converting a layup at 3:58. In the end, the Knights narrowly outscored Chicago State in the quarter, 16-15, to seal the victory.
Keona McGee and
Kayla Mount both led the Cougars with 10 points each.
Brianna Hill added nine points with six rebounds and three assists.
Tania Allen also added nine points.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will host Stonehill College on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m.
