CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State (9-21, 8-9 NEC) defeated Wagner (13-15, 9-8 NEC), 84-75, in a huge win on senior day as senior
Tania Allen and
Kace Urlacher played their final regular season home game. CSU secured the win with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Wagner 21-11.
The game started with Wagner taking an early lead, but the Cougars quickly responded.
Paris Bass put them on the board with a layup at 7:41, following an assist from
Keona McGee. CSU then gained momentum with back-to-back three-pointers from
Kyara Champagne and
Marisa Gant, assisted by
Tania Allen, to take the lead 12-9. Continuing their offensive efforts, the Cougars maintained a narrow advantage through fast-break points, including a layup by McGee with just over two minutes remaining. Despite Wagner's push, capped by a three-pointer at the buzzer, the first quarter ended in a 23-23 tie.
Chicago State gained momentum late in the second quarter with a succession of three-pointers, highlighted by
Marisa Gant's shot with 37 seconds remaining, assisted by
Keona McGee. Teams continued to trade buckets as no one could really pull away which saw both teams going into the locker room at halftime tied at 40–40.
CSU took control in the third quarter, initiating with a pivotal 3-point play by
Brianna Hill just 15 seconds into the quarter, pushing its lead.
Chloe Sisco further extended the advantage with a 3-pointer at 8:30, assisted by Allen, initiating a key momentum shift. The team capitalized on Wagner's turnovers and maintained pressure defensively, highlighted by three blocks and three steals.
Kayla Mount contributed with back-to-back baskets, supported by
Kace Urlacher's assists, solidifying the lead. The Cougars closed the quarter with a 21–11 scoring advantage, leading 61–51 heading into the final quarter.
Chicago State controlled much of the fourth quarter with efficient free-throw shooting, converting 14 of 19 attempts in the fourth quarter.
Kayla Mount and
Keona McGee were instrumental in maintaining the lead with key steals and layups. Gant added a crucial three-pointer at 7:44 to widen the gap. Despite Wagner's attempts to rally the Cougars were able to hold off the Seahawks push to claim the win with a score of 84-75 victory.
McGee led the Cougars with 19 points and contributed five assists. Gant added 17 points, making five 3-pointers and collecting seven rebounds. Sisco scored nine points, converting three shots from beyond the arc. Allen bolstered the defense with two steals and recorded six rebounds.
CSU has a record of 9-21 overall and 8-9 in NEC competition. Wagner holds a record of 13-15 overall and 9-8 in NEC play.
After Saturday's result, the Cougars currently sit as the six seed in the NEC tournament. The NEC Women's Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals are set for March 9 with the higher seeds set to host each round of the eight team tournament. Stay connected with gocougars.com to see where Chicago State will with the announcement of the tournament bracket.
NEC Women's Basketball Standings (As of Feburary 28)
1 FDU (26-4, 17-0) *
T-2 LIU (18-10, 13-4) *
T-2 Mercyhurst (13-15, 13-4) *
T-4 Wagner (13-15, 9-8) *
T-4 Le Moyne (11-19, 9-8) *
6 Chicago State (9-21, 8-9) *
7 Stonehill (11-17, 7-10) *
8 New Haven (7-21, 5-12)
9 Saint Francis (2-25, 2-14) *
10 Central Connecticut (1-26, 1-15)
* = Qualified for Conference Tournament
UP NEXT
Chicago State will travel to face Stonehill College on Thursday, March 5 for their final game of the regular season. The game will take place at Merkert Gymnasium in North Easton, Massachusetts.
