NORMAL, Ill. — CSU (0-1) lost to Illinois St. (1-0) 106-69 on Monday at CEFCU Arena. A third-quarter scoring drought shaped the game for Chicago State. The Cougars finished with 12 steals and eight blocks but committed 20 turnovers, while Illinois St. held a 51-31 rebounding advantage.

With Illinois St. ahead 56-39 in the third quarter, CSU went 4.6 minutes and eight possessions without scoring as Illinois St. moved the score to 72-42 during that stretch. That drought was the main supplied sequence that shaped the second-half flow, leaving Chicago State trying to regain offensive rhythm while Illinois St. continued to add to its advantage.

The Cougars made 24 of 63 shots and 6 of 24 from 3-point range, while Illinois St. finished 38 of 76 from the field and 11 of 19 from beyond the arc. Illinois St. also held a 51-31 rebounding edge, including 17 offensive rebounds to CSU's seven, and finished with 24 assists to the Cougars' eight. Chicago State did create defensive plays, totaling 12 steals and eight blocks, with Kaldjob recording five blocks and eight rebounds and McGee adding three steals. McGee also led CSU's scoring effort with 17 points, while Champagne added 15 and Gant finished with 12.

McGee scored 17 points, went 7 of 9 at the free-throw line and added three steals. Champagne finished with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and recorded two assists. Kaldjob collected eight rebounds and posted five blocks. O'Brien made three 3-pointers and finished with nine points.