Central Connecticut State dominated Chicago State 78-67 at Detrick Gymnasium, with Darin Smith Jr. putting on a show with 24 points and 8 rebounds. The Blue Devils' victory was fueled by a strong team effort, with Max Frazier adding 15 points and 8 rebounds, and Melo Sanchez chipping in 14 points. This performance was in line with expectations, as CHD Scout had predicted a Central Connecticut win by 11.1 points, and the actual margin of 11 points validated that forecast.
The game unfolded with Central Connecticut State taking control from the outset, leading 35-28 at halftime. Chicago State's CJ Ray tried to keep his team in the game, scoring 22 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Blue Devils' balanced attack. Marcus Tankersley added 15 points for the Cougars, but their offense struggled to keep pace with Central Connecticut State's scoring.
The second half saw Central Connecticut State pull away, outscoring Chicago State 43-39 to secure the 11-point win. The Blue Devils' ability to maintain their lead and close out the game was a reflection of their focus and determination. Darin Smith Jr.'s performance was particularly impressive, as he consistently found ways to score and rebound against the Chicago State defense.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CJ Ray's effort was notable for Chicago State, as he tried to will his team to a comeback. However, the Cougars' struggles on the road continued, and they fell to 3-20 on the season. In contrast, Central Connecticut State improved to 12-10, and this win will be seen as a positive step forward for the Blue Devils.
The victory for Central Connecticut State was classified as a Quadrant 4 win, while the loss for Chicago State was also a Quadrant 4 game. For the Blue Devils, this result will be viewed as a solid addition to their resume, but not a significant boost. Given their current net ranking of 282, they must continue to accumulate wins to strengthen their tournament chances.
In terms of tournament implications, Central Connecticut State's win keeps them on the periphery of the conversation, but they still have work to do to become a serious contender. With a record of 12-10, they must perform well in their remaining games to build a stronger case for postseason consideration. For now, this win over Chicago State will be seen as a routine victory, but one that the Blue Devils needed to stay on track.