CHICAGO, Ill. - Making their first trip to Chicago State in 15 seasons, the Cardinals women's basketball team were able to hang on to a 55-47 victory over the Cougars despite making one field goal in the quarter. At 7-6 overall, LU is currently 2-2 in the Western Athletic Conference.
Anyssia Gibbs was the top scorer for the Cardinals with 20 points on just six-of-nine shooting including four three's.
Sabria Dean posted 12 points and had five rebounds. LU finished the game shooting 48.6% from the field.
After an exchange of baskets early on, both sides would go into a shooting slump as they would combine for just eight field goals on 20 attempts. The biggest difference was CSU knocked down three treys to get themselves an 11-9 lead after one quarter. Gibbs posted three points while Dean,
Emma Imevbore, and
Akasha Davis each picked up a basket.
The Cougars opened the second quarter by extending their lead to 16-11. That was when LU flipped the switch and got a 13-2 run going to lead 24-18. Gibbs was responsible for a pair of threes as she would have a 10-point quarter. Though CSU would cut the margin to 24-20, LU finished the half with six unanswered points and a 77.8% field goal shooting quarter to be up 30-20.
Although the Cougars would put up 45.5% shooting in contrast to 41.7% by LU in the third quarter, the momentum still belonged to the Cardinals, who poured in 15 points to CSU's 11. LU would keep their double-digit lead for most of the quarter as the Cougars managed to get within nine points on a few occasions. Leading 36-27, LU benefited from seven straight points including another Gibbs three, that would lead to five points for her in the quarter. LU's lead grew to 45-29 before CSU got the final layup of the quarter for a 45-31 lead.
But as the fourth quarter began, the Cardinals suddenly found themselves unable to knock down shots. The Cougars would get momentum to their side when they surged to a 10-2 run to get within 47-41 with a minute to play. Despite one field goal made, the Cardinals were able to hang on for this win by knocking down free throws down the stretch.
The Cardinals will have a three-game home stretch this coming week starting Monday night when they host Stephen F. Austin at 7:00 PM.
