CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago State University women's basketball team (2-2) returns to action Wednesday, Nov. 11, traveling across the city to face UIC (2-1) in a nonconference matchup at Credit Union 1 Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT as the Cougars look to build on their recent momentum and secure their third victory of the season.
Chicago State enters the matchup following a 75-60 victory over Huston-Tillotson on Tuesday, while UIC comes into Wednesday's contest riding a two-game winning streak.
Last Time Out
The Cougars delivered a strong performance Tuesday afternoon, defeating Huston-Tillotson 75-60 in front of a record-breaking Education Day crowd of 2,678 at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center.
Chicago State established control early with an 11-0 opening run and maintained its advantage behind an aggressive defensive effort. The Cougars forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 25 points, while holding a 16-3 advantage in fast-break points.
Marisa Gant led Chicago State with a team-high 16 points, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and connecting on four three-pointers. Keona McGee followed with 15 points, three assists and three steals, while Jade Hamilton-Gill contributed a team-high nine rebounds and three blocks.
The victory improved Chicago State to 2-2 overall and marked the Cougars' second home win of the season.
Scouting the Cougars
Through four games, Chicago State has demonstrated its ability to create offensive opportunities through defensive pressure, transition play and perimeter shooting.
The Cougars have earned victories over Mississippi Valley State and Huston-Tillotson, showcasing their offensive depth and ability to capitalize on opponent turnovers.
Gant and McGee have provided offensive production in the early portion of the season, while Hamilton-Gill has contributed a defensive presence in the paint.
Wednesday's matchup presents another opportunity for Chicago State to build consistency as the Cougars seek their first road victory of the 2026-27 campaign.
Scouting UIC
UIC enters Wednesday's matchup with a 2-1 overall record after securing back-to-back victories over Robert Morris and Northwestern.
The Flames opened their season with an 81-34 loss at Ohio State before responding with a 71-58 road victory over Robert Morris on Nov. 5.
UIC continued its momentum Sunday, Nov. 8, defeating Northwestern 76-71 in its home opener at Credit Union 1 Arena.
Competing out of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Flames will look to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Cougars in a matchup between two Chicago programs.
A Chicago Matchup
Wednesday's contest brings together two Division I programs from Chicago as the Cougars travel to the city's West Side for their fifth game of the season.
With both teams coming off victories, Chicago State will look to carry its defensive intensity and offensive momentum into the matchup while continuing to develop its identity early in nonconference play.
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday's matchup, Chicago State will return to the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to host South Dakota. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
The Cougars will then travel to Anchorage, Alaska, to compete in the 2026 Great Alaska Shootout, beginning Saturday, Nov. 21, against Seattle University.
