CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State (8-18, 7-6 NEC) fell to Le Moyne (8-18, 6-7 NEC), 80-76, in a tightly contested matchup at the Emil & Patricia Jones Convocation Center on Saturday. Despite forcing 19 turnovers and scoring 22 fast-break points, the Cougars win streak was ended by the Dolphins.
Chicago State opened the game with a strong offensive effort, highlighted by
Marisa Gant's fastbreak 3-pointer at 6:32, which ignited their scoring. Gant, who would go on to score a season-high 19 total points, played a pivotal role throughout the game.
Brianna Hill also shone with her performance, contributing crucial points in the paint and ultimately recording a season-high total of 15 points. Her efforts reduced the deficit to one point with just over two minutes remaining.
Chloe Sisco closed the quarter with a significant 3-pointer at 00:13, bringing the Cougars within 19-17 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, CSU surged, gaining momentum with a pivotal 8-2 run early in the quarter. Gant's three-point shot at 8:05, assisted by Hill, gave the Cougars the lead. They capitalized on turnovers, with Gant contributing a fastbreak layup at 7:01, pushing their advantage. Despite Le Moyne's attempts to close the gap, the Cougars maintained control. Sisco tied the score with a three-pointer at 4:53, and CSU's defensive efforts, highlighted by
Keona McGee's steals, helped extend their lead. The half ended with the Cougars leading 41-34.
Chicago State maintained their edge in the third quarter with a strong start, marked by McGee's layup at 9:48.
Paris Bass contributed with a critical steal at 8:50, leading to a jumper by McGee, assisted by Sisco, which extended their lead. Le Moyne attempted a comeback, closing the gap to one point after a 3-pointer, but CSU responded effectively.
Tania Allen's layup, with an assist from Hill, at 0:29 helped preserve the lead. McGee sealed the quarter with a jumper at 0:03, securing a 62-59 advantage by the end of the third.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago State fought to maintain momentum, with
Kace Urlacher's layup at 7:23 keeping the home team ahead 66-62. The game continued to be closely contested, with multiple lead changes as both teams traded baskets. Hill's fast-break layup at 2:15 tied the score at 70-70, highlighting a critical push by the Cougars. However, Le Moyne capitalized on free throws to regain control in the final minute.
Kayla Mount's layup at 0:21 brought Chicago State within two points, but Le Moyne sealed the game at the free-throw line. The game concluded with Le Moyne securing an 80-76 victory, ending the contest with Chicago State narrowly trailing.
Marisa Gant led the team a career19 points, converting three of nine attempts from beyond the arc.
Brianna Hill contributed 15 points and added seven rebounds while also collecting three steals.
Keona McGee finished with 13 points and recorded three steals.
Chloe Sisco scored nine points, all from three-point range, making three of six attempts.
UP NEXT
The Cougars will travel to face FDU on Thursday, Feb. 19. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. at the Bogota Savings Bank Center in Teaneck, New Jersey.
