CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago State (5-20, 3-9 NEC) secured a 80-75 victory over Saint Francis (6-18, 4-7 NEC) on Monday afternoon at the Emil and Patricia Jones Convocation Center. The game featured a strong defensive effort from CSU, which recorded 12 steals and capitalized on turnovers with 26 points.
The matchup between the Cougars and the Red Flash began with
Marcus Tankersley scoring a jumper and a free throw to give CSU an early lead. Zion Russell responded for SFU with a layup at the 16:53 mark, leveling the score. Midway through the period,
Braelon Bush and
CJ Ray each contributed 3-pointers, helping Chicago State edge ahead. Notably, Bush's performance was highlighted by him reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points. In the closing moments, Zion Russell made two free throws with nine seconds left, but the Cougars held a narrow 36-33 advantage at the end of the first half.
In the second half, Chicago State extended their lead early with Bush making a layup and
Corey Sands adding a jumper, pushing the score to 40-33. SFU struggled with turnovers, with Zion Russell committing several, allowing the Cougars to capitalize and increase their advantage.
Marcus Tankersley was pivotal, contributing both points and assists, including a layup at the 15:35 mark to maintain momentum for the home team. Despite a late rally by the Red Flash, led by Ahmad Harrison's aggressive scoring, CSU held firm with crucial free throws by
Doyel Cockrill III in the final seconds, securing an 80-75 victory.
Tankersley led with 19 points, converting six of nine field goals and adding seven free throws. Bush also scored 19 points, making three 3-pointers and shooting 8-for-11 from the field. Cockrill III contributed with 10 points and collected nine rebounds while recording three steals.
Joseph Owens added 10 points, hitting six of seven free throws and securing five rebounds.
In their next matchup, the Cougars will host Stonehill College on Thursday, Feb. 12. The game will take place at 6 p.m. at the Jones Convocation Center in Chicago, Illinois.
