CSU-IUPUI

CHICAGO, Ill. – David Holston had game-high’s 29 points, five assist, and became the 11th player in Chicago State men’s basketball history to surpass 1,000 career points, but his effort wasn’t quite enough as CSU fell, 78-70, at IUPUI Saturday night.

Holston came into the game needing only 12 points to join the 1,000-point club. He only needs 40 points to surpass former CSU great Learando Drake, who passed earlier this year, to move into 10th on the all-time list.

The Cougars have dropped two straight, and fall to 2-4 on the season. IUPUI improves their record to 4-2.

Holston, was joined by backcourt mate, John Cantrell who finished with 23 points and four rebounds. The guard tandem accounted for 52 of the 64 points scored by the starters. CSU’s bench was outscored 33-6.

George Hill led the Jags with 29 points and 10 boards, while Jon Avery added 21 points off the bench. Austin Montgomery and LeRoy Nobles each chipped in with 10 points.

The number of foul shots attempted in the game was reflected in the outcome as IUPUI shot 33 free throws compared to only six for Chicago State.

The teams went back and forth in the first half as the score was tied six times. The Jags led by as much as 10 points (23-13) with 8:38 left, before the Cougars mounted a comeback, going on a 20-8 run to take the lead (33-31) on a layup by John Cantrell with 2:41 remaining in the half. IUPUI’s, George Hill responded with two baskets as the Jags went into the locker room with a 35-33 lead.

Holston and Hill each had 19 first half points.

Chicago State jumped out the gate in the second half with a 21-11 run, capped by a Holston three-pointer to take an eight point lead 54-46 with 13:00 remaining. IUPUI responded with a 32-11 run of their own to take a 13 point lead (78-65) their biggest of the game, with 1:23 remaining. Cantrell scored CSU’s final five points as the Cougars fell by seven, 78-70.

Chicago State returns to action on Tuesday, Nov. 27, when they travel to Normal, Ill., to take on Illinois State at 7:05 p.m.