CSUM-JSU

Des Moines, Iowa – Junior guard David Holston led Chicago State’s second-half comeback with a game-high 32 points, while connecting on 8-of-14 from behind the arc, as the Cougars defeated Jackson State, 83-69 in the third place game of the Drake Regency Classic at the Drake Knapp Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

CSU snapped a two-game losing streak and upped their record to 4-8 on the season. The lose drops Jackson State to 1-10.

Chidozie Chukwumah provided a boost off the bench recording a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 10 blocks. John Cantrell scored 17 points and hauled down six rebounds.

“Chidozie came off the bench and provided a lot of energy”, said head coach Benjy Taylor. “We are a much better team when he provides an inside presence like he did tonight.”

Darrion Griffin led the Tigers with 19 points, hitting seven of his 17 field goal attempts. Grant Maxey and Garrison Johnson had 13 and 12 points respectively.

Chicago State held the Tigers to 34% (24-70) from the field. Jackson State committed 21 turnovers which the Cougars converted into 23 points.

Chicago State and Jackson State went toe to toe for the first ten minutes of the opening half as the score was tied four times. The Tigers pulled away, going on a 20-11 run to close out the half, taking a 38-31 lead into the locker rooms.

The second-half was dominated by Chicago State as Holston scored 21 of his 32 points in the final stanza. With the score tied at 55-55 with 9:08 remaining, CSU went on a 28-14 run to close out the game. The Cougars outscored Jackson State 51-32 in the second-half, while shooting 54% (16-30) from the field.

“We had a little carry over from last night’s game, but we were able to regroup at the half and play our kind of basketball”, said Taylor.

Chicago State will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 15, when they travel to Valparaiso, Ind. to take on the Crusaders of Valparaiso University. Tip is set for 7:05 p.m.