Stonehill secured a hard-fought 85-82 win over Chicago State at Merkert Gymnasium, thanks in large part to a dominant performance from Davante Hackett. The Skyhawks' forward recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds, leading his team to a much-needed victory. Hackett's double-double was complemented by strong showings from Hermann Koffi, who scored 18 points, and Ridvan Tutic, who chipped in 15 points and 13 rebounds.
The game was closely contested from the outset, with Stonehill taking a slim 35-33 lead into halftime. Chicago State's CJ Ray was unstoppable in the first half, scoring 15 of his game-high 27 points to keep the Cougars within striking distance. Ray's impressive outing was matched by Braelon Bush, who added 19 points and 7 assists for Chicago State.
In the second half, Stonehill managed to maintain its narrow lead, thanks to Hackett's consistent scoring and rebounding. The Skyhawks' forward was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. Despite a late surge from Chicago State, Stonehill held on for the 3-point win.
The victory improves Stonehill's record to 7-14, while Chicago State falls to 2-19. Although the win may not significantly boost Stonehill's tournament chances, it is a crucial Quad 4 victory that helps the Skyhawks build momentum heading into the second half of the season.
CJ Ray's 27-point effort was a highlight for Chicago State, but it was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of Stonehill. The Cougars' struggles continue, and their 354 net ranking suggests they will face an uphill battle in their remaining games.
This matchup was always expected to be a closely contested affair, given the similar net rankings of the two teams. Stonehill's win, however, solidifies its position as the slightly more competitive team, at least on this particular day. The Skyhawks want to build on this win, while Chicago State will aim to regroup and find a way to turn its season around.
The resume implications of this result are clear: Stonehill earns a Quad 4 win, which, while not overly impressive, is still a valuable addition to its tournament profile. For Chicago State, the loss is another Quad 4 setback, further diminishing its already slim tournament hopes. As the season progresses, Stonehill must secure more significant wins to bolster its resume, but for now, this victory provides a much-needed confidence boost.