CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago State University women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance in its home opener Thursday evening, defeating Mississippi Valley State 83-62 at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center. The Cougars improved to 1-1 on the season behind a strong offensive showing, balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure.

Chicago State set the tone early, using a 9-0 first-quarter run to establish an 18-6 advantage. The Cougars maintained control throughout the contest, connecting on 12 three-pointers, forcing 25 turnovers and building a lead as large as 33 points.

Keona McGee led the Cougars with a game-high 22 points and four steals, while Kyara Champagne contributed 17 points and six rebounds. Mazzy O'Brien added 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers, as Chicago State showcased its offensive depth.

First Half: Cougars Set the Tone Early

After Mississippi Valley State took an early 4-2 lead, Marisa Gant sparked the Cougars' offense with back-to-back three-pointers to put Chicago State ahead. Aunyai' Deere, Chloe Sisco and McGee followed with key baskets, fueling a 9-0 run that extended the lead to 18-6.

Chicago State continued to apply pressure on both ends of the floor, closing the opening quarter with a 25-15 advantage while shooting 9-of-17 from the field.

The Cougars carried that momentum into the second quarter, combining defensive intensity with efficient perimeter shooting. An eight-point scoring stretch pushed the lead to 35-17 before O'Brien and Gant connected on three consecutive three-pointers in just over a minute, extending the advantage to 44-21.

Chicago State outscored Mississippi Valley State 22-10 in the second quarter, forcing eight turnovers and connecting on five three-pointers to enter halftime with a commanding 47-25 lead.

Second Half: Chicago State Maintains Control

The Cougars showed no signs of slowing down after the break. Following two early Mississippi Valley State baskets, Chicago State responded with an 8-0 run highlighted by five points from Champagne, including a three-pointer that pushed the lead to 55-29.

Deere continued to make an impact on both ends of the floor, contributing timely baskets and facilitating the offense. Chicago State stretched its advantage to 63-32 midway through the third quarter and carried a 69-45 lead into the final period.

The Cougars opened the fourth quarter with another offensive surge, highlighted by a Champagne three-pointer and a Deere basket. O'Brien later connected from beyond the arc to give Chicago State its largest lead of the night at 81-48 with 6:27 remaining.

Despite a late push from Mississippi Valley State, Chicago State maintained its advantage to secure the 83-62 victory and its first win of the 2026-27 season.

By the Numbers

Chicago State's offensive execution and defensive pressure played a major role in the victory.

• 22 points: Keona McGee led all scorers while adding four steals.

• 17 points: Kyara Champagne finished with six rebounds and a perfect 9-for-9 performance at the free-throw line.

• 16 points: Mazzy O'Brien connected on four three-pointers.

• 8 rebounds and 5 assists: Aunyai' Deere contributed an all-around performance while adding eight points and two steals.

• 12 three-pointers: The Cougars shot 12-of-32 from beyond the arc, compared to Mississippi Valley State's 2-of-14.

• 25 turnovers forced: Chicago State converted those opportunities into 19 points.

• 27 bench points: The Cougars received valuable contributions from their reserves.

Chicago State also finished with 16 assists and 12 steals, highlighting a strong team effort on both ends of the court.

Up Next

Chicago State returns to action on Saturday, November 7, when the Cougars welcome Texas State University to the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center in Chicago.