CHICAGO, Ill. – The Chicago State women's basketball team (1-2) fell to Texas State (2-0), 106-51, Saturday afternoon at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center.
Marisa Gant led the Cougars offensively with a team-high 10 points, including two three-pointers, while adding two assists without committing a turnover. Jade Hamilton-Gill followed with nine points and five rebounds, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.
Despite an early offensive push from Chicago State, Texas State capitalized on turnovers and strong perimeter shooting to build its lead throughout the contest.
First Quarter: Cougars Battle Early
Texas State came out strong from beyond the arc, connecting on three early three-pointers. Chicago State responded with offensive contributions from Aunyai' Deere and Gant, who knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to cut the deficit to 12-9 with 6:38 remaining.
Hamilton-Gill provided a spark in the paint, scoring on consecutive possessions, including a second-chance putback, to bring the Cougars within five at 18-13.
However, Texas State closed the opening period with an 11-0 run, taking a 29-13 advantage into the second quarter.
Second Quarter: Texas State Extends Its Lead
The Bobcats continued their offensive momentum early in the second quarter, extending their advantage with consecutive baskets in the paint.
Chicago State found opportunities from the perimeter as Chloe Sisco and Mia Carter each connected on three-pointers, with assists coming from Gant and Deere.
The Cougars continued to battle offensively, receiving contributions from Hamilton-Gill, Kyara Champagne and Deere. However, Texas State's defensive pressure created additional scoring opportunities, allowing the Bobcats to take a 54-27 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter: Chicago State Continues to Compete
Coming out of halftime, Texas State maintained its offensive rhythm with strong shooting from beyond the arc.
Gant opened Chicago State's second-half scoring with a basket inside, while Hamilton-Gill continued to contribute in the paint.
Eva Young provided a boost from the perimeter with a three-pointer, and Emmanuelle Kaldjob made her presence felt defensively with a block before adding an offensive rebound and putback dunk.
Despite the Cougars' efforts, Texas State continued to capitalize on its offensive opportunities and entered the final quarter leading 80-43.
Fourth Quarter: Cougars Fight Through Final Minutes
Chicago State continued to compete in the final period, with Mazzy O'Brien and Kaldjob contributing from the free-throw line.
Keona McGee provided a defensive highlight with a blocked shot before converting a three-point play to bring the score to 89-48 with 5:59 remaining.
Champagne added Chicago State's final field goal of the afternoon, but Texas State maintained control down the stretch to secure the 106-51 victory.
By the Numbers
Gant paced Chicago State with 10 points and two assists, while Hamilton-Gill added nine points and a team-high five rebounds. Kaldjob contributed five points, three rebounds and a team-high two blocks. Carter added three points, two rebounds and two steals.
The Cougars finished 17-of-53 (32.1%) from the field and 5-of-26 (19.2%) from three-point range. Chicago State also recorded 20 points in the paint, 19 bench points, seven steals and four blocks.
Texas State shot 57.8% from the field and 58.3% from beyond the arc, connecting on 14 three-pointers. The Bobcats held a 45-24 rebounding advantage and turned 23 Chicago State turnovers into 32 points.
