New Haven Tops Chicago State 62-56 Behind Balanced Effort

New Haven's visit to the Jones Convocation Center on Saturday ended with a 62-56 win over Chicago State, a result that fell short of the pre-game prediction. CHD Scout had forecasted a narrow Chicago State victory by 0.2 points, but the Chargers had other plans. Led by Najimi George's 15 points and 5 rebounds, New Haven controlled the tempo of the game, ultimately outscoring their hosts by six points.

The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm, with New Haven taking a slim 30-33 lead into the break. CJ Ray was the standout performer for Chicago State in the opening period, scoring 10 of his 17 points to keep his team ahead. However, the Chargers adjusted their strategy in the second half, with George and Jabri Fitzpatrick combining for 20 points to propel their team to victory. Fitzpatrick finished with 15 points, matching George's total, while Maison Adeleye added 10 points to the winning effort.

Chicago State's top performers, including Ray and Doyel Cockrill III, who scored 14 points, were unable to overcome the balanced attack of New Haven. Dailliss Cox contributed 10 points and 6 rebounds for the Cougars, but it wasn't enough to change the outcome. As the game wore on, New Haven's defense stiffened, holding Chicago State to just 23 points in the second half.

The win improves New Haven's record to 9-10, while Chicago State falls to 2-17. Although this result may not have significant tournament implications for either team, it does highlight the competitiveness of both squads. New Haven's ability to win on the road against a struggling opponent demonstrates their resilience and determination.

This game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, with Chicago State currently ranked 352nd in the net rankings and New Haven sitting at 321st. While the victory won't significantly boost New Haven's tournament chances, it does add a much-needed win to their resume. For Chicago State, the loss drops them further down the rankings, making their already difficult path to postseason play even more challenging.

In the end, New Haven's balanced offense and stout second-half defense proved too much for Chicago State to handle. As the season progresses, the Chargers want to build on this momentum, while the Cougars will aim to regroup and find ways to turn their season around. The outcome of this game may not have been surprising, given the relative strength of the two teams, but it does underscore the importance of consistency and perseverance in college basketball.