EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) – Xavier Johnson and Andrew Lewis combined for 41 points and Chicago State rallied past SIU-Edwardsville in the second half to claim an 89-81 victory Wednesday night that broke an NCAA-record losing streak.
The Cougars entered with a 58-game losing streak on the road or at neutral sites.
Chicago State (4-6) trailed by double digits much of the first half until closing on a 13-2 run, cutting SIUE’s lead to 42-41 at halftime.
Amir Gholizadeh scored from distance, rebounded an SIUE miss leading to a fastbreak layup by Solomon Hunt for a 46-45 lead two minutes into the second half.
SIU-Edwardsville came within 53-50 with 11:21 remaining, but Andrew Lewis scored on a putback and Rajeir Jones nailed a 3 off a steal and the Cougars built leads as large as 11 points. Points, 16 coming in the turnaround second half.
Johnson made six free throws as Chicago State was 8-for-8 at the line in the final 41 seconds.
Johnson, who finished with 23 points and five assists, made all 13 free throws, the Cougars were 25-for-27 at the line and shot 58% from the field (28-for-48). Andrew Lewis scored 18
Zeke Moore poured in a career-high 28 points for SIUE (2-7) on 11-for-16 shooting with four 3-pointers. SIU-Edwardsville has lost its last five.
Chicago State plays Tennessee State on the road on Friday. Southern Illinois-Edwardsville plays Northwestern on the road next Sunday.
