CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago State University women's basketball team (2-2) delivered a commanding performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Huston-Tillotson University (0-1), 75-60, in front of a record-breaking Education Day crowd of 2,678 at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center.
The Cougars set the tone early with an 11-0 opening run and maintained control behind an aggressive defensive effort, forcing 25 turnovers and converting them into 25 points. Chicago State also dominated in transition, outscoring Huston-Tillotson 16-3 in fast-break points while holding a 30-18 advantage in points in the paint.
Marisa Gant led the Cougars offensively with a team-high 16 points, shooting an efficient 6-for-8 from the field and connecting on four three-pointers. Keona McGee followed with 15 points, three assists and three steals while converting seven free throws. Jade Hamilton-Gill made her presence felt defensively, collecting a team-high nine rebounds and recording three blocks, while Aunyai' Deere contributed eight points and three steals.
How It Happened
Chicago State wasted no time establishing momentum, opening the contest with 11 unanswered points. Three early three-pointers helped the Cougars build an immediate advantage as their defensive intensity disrupted Huston-Tillotson's offensive rhythm.
The Cougars continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, capitalizing on turnovers and creating opportunities in transition to maintain their advantage heading into the break.
Chicago State carried that momentum into the second half, putting together an 8-0 run in the third quarter to extend its lead from 38-28 to 46-28. The Cougars' defense held Huston-Tillotson scoreless across eight consecutive possessions during that stretch, preventing the Rams from establishing an offensive rhythm.
Huston-Tillotson attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting Chicago State's lead to 60-52. However, the Cougars quickly responded with another decisive 8-0 run, extending their advantage to 68-52 and putting the game out of reach.
Chicago State finished the afternoon shooting 26-for-54 from the field while limiting Huston-Tillotson to 18-for-67 shooting. Despite being outrebounded 46-37, the Cougars' defensive pressure proved to be the difference, finishing with 12 steals and a 25-13 advantage in points off turnovers.
The Cougars closed out the contest with a 75-60 victory, improving to 2-2 on the season and giving the record-breaking Education Day crowd plenty to celebrate.
Up Next
Chicago State returns to action Wednesday, Nov. 11, traveling across the city to face UIC at Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. The Cougars will look to carry their momentum into the next matchup as they continue their nonconference schedule.For the latest news, schedules and updates on Chicago State women's basketball, visit GoCSUCougars.com and follow @ChiStateAthletics on social media.
