SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Chicago State (6-21, 4-10 NEC) fell to Le Moyne (14-13, 9-5 NEC) with a final score of 81-63 on Saturday at Ted Grant Court. CSU recorded 35 rebounds and 9 steals, but was outpaced by Le Moyne's 12 three-pointers.
The game began with
Dailliss Cox of the Cougars sinking a 3-pointer just seconds into play, assisted by
Marcus Tankersley. Le Moyne quickly responded with a 3-pointer from Deng Garang, leveling the score. The teams traded baskets, with Chicago State's
CJ Ray also hitting a 3-pointer at the 18:06 mark, maintaining the early tie. As the game progressed, Le Moyne capitalized on its perimeter shooting, with Eli Greenberg and Trent Mosquera each contributing from beyond the arc. Le Moyne built momentum in the closing minutes, culminating in Garang's 3-pointer with 1:16 remaining, helping it secure a 42-29 lead by the end of the first half.
Chicago State mounted a strong offensive push in the second half, narrowing Le Moyne's lead to just two points on multiple occasions. Ray's three-pointer at the 18:43 mark and
Braelon Bush's fast-break layup and free throw sequence were part of a quick surge that tied the score at 42. However, Le Moyne responded with a crucial layup by Greenberg at 14:50, regaining a slim lead. Despite the Cougars' efforts, including
Stephen Byard's late dunk, Le Moyne extended its lead with key contributions from Tennessee Rainwater and Garang, ultimately securing an 81-63 victory.
Tankersley scored 14 points and added four assists while collecting five rebounds. Ray posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, including three 3-pointers. Byard recorded 10 points and contributed seven rebounds, alongside two steals.
Daniel Zatsepin added two steals and two rebounds.
Looking ahead, CSU will face FDU on Thursday, Feb. 19. The matchup will take place at the Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois, with tip-off set for 6 p.m.
