CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago St. (7-17, 6-5 NEC) defeated Central Conn. St. (0-22, 0-11 NEC), 75-69, in a tense matchup at the Jones Convocation Center. CSU secured the win with a decisive 25-point fourth quarter, overcoming an early deficit. The home team capitalized on 21 offensive rebounds to score 24 second-chance points, while Central Conn. St. was limited to just 11 second-chance points.
It took the Cougars a while to find as their footing as Chicago State was not able to contain Central Connecticut State's offense, falling behind early as the visitors capitalized on turnovers.
Paris Bass contributed a defensive effort with a block and a defensive rebound, helping stabilize Chicago State's defense.
Chloe Sisco provided a spark late in the period with two timely 3-pointers, narrowing the deficit. This marked the second consecutive game where Sisco scored at least 12 total points. However, despite a late push to tie the score, the Cougars trailed Central Connecticut State 20-16 at the end of the first quarter.
Chicago State seized momentum midway through the second quarter with a crucial 11–0 run, highlighted by a fast-break layup from
Keona McGee at 5:26 that tied the game at 22. McGee's performance was exceptional, as she scored a new career-high 28 total points and also grabbed a new career-high of 13 total rebounds. Sisco followed with a three-pointer, assisted by
Tania Allen, giving CSU a 26–22 advantage.
Brianna Hill's layup in the final seconds extended the lead, and
Kyara Champagne's free throws solidified their position. The Cougars outscored Central Conn. St. 20–10 in the quarter, leading 36–30 at halftime.
CSU maintain their lead in the third quarter opening with a successful 3-pointer by Sisco at 8:24. However Central Conn. St. quickly countered to tie the score at 39 with 6:20 remaining. Hill briefly regained the lead for the Cougars with a jumper at 5:38, tying the score at 42, but Central Conn. St. once again responded with a persistent offensive effort, ultimately closing the quarter ahead. The quarter concluded with Central Conn. St. taking a 53-50 lead into the final frame.
Chicago State pulled away late with a decisive push in the final minutes. McGee led the charge, converting a layup and free throw with 23 seconds remaining to widen the lead. CSU capitalized on strong defensive rebounding and efficient free throw shooting to maintain their advantage. The game concluded with Chicago State outscoring Central Conn. St. 25–16, culminating in a 75–69 victory.
McGee led the team with 28 points, converting 14 of 17 from the free-throw line and collecting 13 rebounds to secure her second double-double of the season. Sisco added 12 points, hitting four 3-pointers and recording three steals.
Marisa Gant contributed 11 points, surpassing her season average of 6.8, including two 3-pointers, and added two steals. Hill finished with nine points and pulled down four rebounds.
Chicago State is now 7-17 overall and 6-5 in NEC play. Currently tied for fourth in the NEC. The top four seeds in the final conference standings will host a quarter-final game in the NEC Tournament this coming March.
Current NEC Women's Basketball Standings
1 FDU (20-4, 11-0)*
2 LIU (14-8, 9-2)*
3 Mercyhurst (7-14, 7-3)*
T-4 Wagner (10-12, 6-5)
T-4 Chicago State (7-17, 6-5)
6 New Haven (7-15, 5-6)
T-7 Stonehill (8-14, 4-7)
T-7 Le Moyne (6-18, 4-7)
9 Saint Francis (2-19. 2-8)
10 Central Connecticut State (0-22, 0-11)
* = Clinched NEC Tournament
UP NEXT
Chicago State will return to Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois, for their next match up against the University of New Haven. The game is set for Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m.
