NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Chicago State (8-20, 7-8 NEC) fell to Central Connecticut State (1-25, 1-14 NEC), 86-75, despite scoring 44 points in the paint at Detrick Gymnasium.
The game began with the Cougars taking an early advantage in the paint, thanks to
Kyara Champagne's layup at 9:26. CSU maintained momentum through fast breaks, with
Tania Allen assisting both Champagne and
Brianna Hill, leading to a quick 8-2 lead. Central Connecticut managed to tie the game at 8-8 with a series of quick scores. CSU responded with a 9-2 run, highlighted by
Marisa Gant's three-pointer at 1:15 and defensive rebounds. The quarter concluded with
Keona McGee securing a layup at the buzzer, giving the Cougars a 19-16 lead.
CSU experienced a momentum shift in the second quarter when
Paris Bass converted a fast-break jumper at 9:17, pushing it ahead. Despite turnovers and missed opportunities, Chicago State managed to regain the lead with Gant's free throws at 4:01, making it 28–27. As the quarter neared its conclusion,
Keona McGee hit a crucial 3-pointer with 19 seconds remaining to put the Cougars ahead 36–35. The quarter ended with a narrow lead for Chicago State, as they scored 17 points to Central Connecticut's 19.
The Cougars began the third quarter with a quick response, as Champagne's three-pointer at 9:07 tied the game at 40. They then took the lead when Champagne, assisted by Allen, converted a layup at 8:13. Chicago State maintained their momentum with a jumper from
Kayla Mount at 7:33, pushing their advantage to 44-41. Despite a late push by Central Connecticut,
Chloe Sisco's three-pointer at 4:40 and Hill's fast-break layup at 4:16 extended the Cougars' lead to 52-48. However, Central Connecticut fought back and took a narrow lead in the final minute. The quarter ended with Central Connecticut ahead, 58-56.
In the fourth quarter, Chicago State made a push with a timely three-pointer by Champagne at 8:27, narrowing the gap to 60–59. Despite some strong play in the paint, including layups by
Kace Urlacher and
Keona McGee, the Cougars faced challenges with turnovers and fouls, which Central Connecticut capitalized on to maintain their lead. The quarter concluded with Central Connecticut securing an 86–75 win
McGee led the scoring with 19 points, sinking six field goals and two 3-pointers. Allen contributed defensively with three steals and also added four assists. Gant was effective at the line, converting eight of 11 free throws and tallying 11 points. Mount was perfect from the field, finishing with 11 points on five-for-five shooting and added two blocks.
The Cougars have a record of 8-20 overall and 7-8 in NEC play.
UP NEXT
Chicago State will return home to face the LIU Sharks on Thursday, Feb. 26. The game is set to tip off at 6 p.m. at the Emil & Patricia Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois.
