BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Chicago State University (9-23, 8-10 NEC) fell to Long Island University (20-10, 14-4 NEC), 99-77, at the Steinberg Wellness Center in the NEC Tournament Quarterfinals. The Cougars recorded 13 steals in the matchup.
Chicago State opened the first quarter with effective play in the paint, scoring 14 points inside and creating opportunities with fast breaks.
Chloe Sisco missed a technical free throw to start, but
Paris Bass and
Brianna Hill contributed to early points with timely layups. The team generated five assists and four steals but struggled with five turnovers.
Despite their efforts, CSU trailed as LIU capitalized on three-point shooting, hitting six from beyond the arc.
Kayla Mount's scoring helped narrow the gap midway through, but by the end of the quarter, LIU led 32–17, showcasing strong free-throw shooting and second-chance opportunities.
The second quarter saw the Cougars attempting to narrow the deficit with a series of strategic plays. Key contributions came from Mount, who scored consistently in the paint, and
Kyara Champagne, who added points with a crucial three-pointer and assists. CSU's defense also bolstered its efforts with three blocks, helping to contain LIU's advances momentarily.
Despite this, LIU maintained control throughout, capitalizing on their shooting from beyond the arc with five three-pointers. Chicago State concluded the quarter trailing, with the score at 64-41 in favor of LIU, reflecting both teams' efforts on the court.
CSU made a valiant effort to challenge LIU in the third quarter, opening with a strong defensive presence that forced seven turnovers.
Keona McGee's jumper at 9:50 set an early tone, but LIU countered with effective scoring in the paint. Chicago State capitalized on fast-break opportunities, with
Tania Allen's layup narrowing the gap slightly.
Despite LIU's consistent scoring, the Cougars maintained pressure with Hill and Mount contributing key points in the paint. The visitors managed to match LIU in paint scoring, 14–14, but the quarter concluded with Chicago State trailing 84–60.
Chicago State initiated the fourth quarter with a strong offensive push. McGee's early layup, followed by a three-pointer assisted by her, helped the Cougars cut into Long Island University's lead. The team capitalized on multiple turnovers, with Allen contributing both defensively and offensively, reducing the margin further with a layup at 8:04.
Despite efforts from CSU, including a three-pointer by
Kace Urlacher at 6:32, LIU responded with steady scoring. Chicago State continued to press, with another three-pointer from Urlacher at 3:42. However, LIU maintained its advantage through consistent basket conversions.
The quarter concluded with a transition layup by Champagne, but LIU sealed the game with a late three-pointer. The final score stood at 99-77 in favor of LIU.
McGee scored 16 points and added six assists, while also collecting four steals. Mount led the team with 19 points, making 8 of 11 field goals and blocking two shots. Champagne contributed 14 points, converting 6 of 7 attempts from the field. Hill added to the defensive effort with five steals.
Chicago State closes the season 9-23 and will look to build off this season into the next.
