WEST HAVEN, Conn. — Chicago St. (4-20, 2-9 NEC) secured a victory over New Haven (10-14, 5-6 NEC) with a final score of 63-57 on Saturday at The Hazell Center. The Cougars capitalized on New Haven's 11 turnovers, converting them into 14 points to help clinch the win.
Chicago State opened the game with a strong performance, highlighted by
Marcus Tankersley's early scoring, including a jumper at 18:08 to put his team ahead 4-3. New Haven briefly took the lead with a three-pointer by Jabri Fitzpatrick at 10:12, but the Cougars responded with a 10-0 run.
Doyel Cockrill III contributed significantly to this stretch, hitting back-to-back three-pointers, the second at 4:08, extending Chicago State's lead to 28-18. The Cougars maintained their advantage, closing the half with a
Joseph Owens layup at the six-second mark to secure a 32-22 lead at the end of the first half.
CSU held off New Haven in a closely contested second half, ultimately securing the 63-57 victory. Tankersley contributed significantly for the Cougars, scoring multiple key baskets, including a layup at 10:24 and a jumper at 4:14. New Haven's Andre Pasha kept the game tight with a three-pointer at the 3:08 mark, but CSU maintained their lead with pivotal free throws from Cockrill III in the final seconds. Despite Fitzpatrick's efforts for New Haven, including a late three-pointer at 1:17, Chicago State's defense and free-throw accuracy in the closing moments secured the win.
Tankersley led the scoring for the Cougars with 19 points, converting 7 of 14 field goals and adding four assists. Cockrill III contributed significantly on the boards, collecting nine rebounds while scoring 12 points. Owens was perfect from the field, going 5-for-5 and finishing with 10 points.
Braelon Bush made an impact defensively, recording two steals and adding six points and three assists.
In their next game, the Cougars will host Saint Francis University at the Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois. The matchup is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. CT.
