NCAAB · Final

Chicago State Defeats Central Connecticut 70-51

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET · Jones Convocation Center

Chicago State Cougars 70, Central Connecticut Blue Devils 51, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Chicago State Cougars?

Chicago State Cougars beat Central Connecticut Blue Devils 70-51 at Jones Convocation Center on February 21, 2026.

Who was favored in Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Chicago State Cougars?

Central Connecticut Blue Devils were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.

In a decisive matchup, the Chicago State Cougars triumphed over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils with a final score of 70-51. This victory marked a significant turnaround for Chicago State, which had been struggling in its recent games. The Cougars had a home record of 7-22 prior to this game, while Central Connecticut entered with a stronger away record of 16-11. The game took place at the Jones Convocation Center, a venue that has seen its share of ups and downs for the home team.

Chicago State's recent form had been a cause for concern, as they had lost their last two games and had a record of 4-6 over their last ten matches. They averaged 65.3 points scored and allowed 68.4 points during this stretch. In their last five games, they managed an average of 66.6 points scored while allowing 65.6 points. The Cougars had been particularly vulnerable in their recent outings, highlighted by a narrow loss to Fairleigh Dickinson just a day prior to this game, where they fell 59-60.

In contrast, Central Connecticut was riding a five-game winning streak, boasting a record of 6-4 in their last ten games. They averaged 69.1 points scored and allowed 69.5 points during this period. Their last five games showed an impressive scoring average of 76.8 points while allowing 68.8 points. The Blue Devils had secured a thrilling win against Le Moyne just before facing Chicago State, finishing that game 78-77.

Historically, Chicago State has struggled against Central Connecticut, having lost all three previous meetings this season and last. Their most recent encounter on February 6 resulted in a 67-78 defeat for the Cougars. The previous two matchups also ended unfavorably for Chicago State, with scores of 75-81 and 64-81 in earlier 2025 contests.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the recent performance of both teams suggests that Chicago State's ability to perform at home has been inconsistent. The Cougars had a home record of 3-2 in their last five home games, while Central Connecticut had a balanced away record of 3-2 in their last five away matches.

The betting market reflected Central Connecticut as the favorite, with DraftKings setting the spread at CCSU -3.5. The total for the game was listed at 138.5, with over odds at -105.0 and under odds at -115.0. The moneyline indicated Chicago State at +150.0 and Central Connecticut at -180.0, showcasing the disparity in expectations for the two teams.

The game conditions were typical for a February evening in Chicago, with the atmosphere at the Jones Convocation Center charged, as the Cougars aimed to capitalize on their home advantage. Viewers were treated to a display of resilience from Chicago State, which had been under pressure due to their recent form. The Cougars managed to outscore the Blue Devils significantly, demonstrating a strong offensive performance that was lacking in their previous outings.

In the second half, Chicago State pulled away, with key contributions from players like CJ Ray, who made pivotal shots including a 24-foot three-point jumper. The Cougars maintained control of the game, and their defensive efforts limited Central Connecticut's scoring opportunities. The final score of 70-51 underscored Chicago State's ability to execute their game plan effectively, marking a crucial win in their season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	CCSU -3.5	138.5 o -105 / u -115	Central Connecticut Blue Devils -180 · Chicago State Cougars +150

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsCJ Ray15Chicago State Cougars
AssistsMarcus Tankersley7Chicago State Cougars
ReboundsCJ Ray9Chicago State Cougars
PointsDarin Smith Jr.19Central Connecticut Blue Devils
AssistsJay Rodgers3Central Connecticut Blue Devils
ReboundsMax Frazier8Central Connecticut Blue Devils

Recent form

Chicago State Cougars

Last 10: 4-6Streak L265.3 scored · 68.4 allowed per game3-2 at home

L59-60vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsFeb 20
L63-81at Le Moyne DolphinsFeb 14
W68-55vs Stonehill SkyhawksFeb 13
W80-75vs Saint Francis Red WolvesFeb 9
W63-57at New Haven ChargersFeb 7
L67-78at Central Connecticut Blue DevilsFeb 6
W78-74vs Mercyhurst LakersJan 31
L59-61at Mercyhurst LakersJan 25
L60-81at Saint Francis Red WolvesJan 24
L56-62vs New Haven ChargersJan 20

Central Connecticut Blue Devils

Last 10: 6-4Streak W569.1 scored · 69.5 allowed per game3-2 away

W78-77vs Le Moyne DolphinsFeb 20
W63-57at Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsFeb 14
W81-76at New Haven ChargersFeb 13
W84-67vs Wagner SeahawksFeb 7
W78-67vs Chicago State CougarsFeb 6
L59-80vs Long Island University SharksJan 31
W62-55at Wagner SeahawksJan 30
L59-61at Stonehill SkyhawksJan 27
L66-76vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsJan 24
L61-79at Mercyhurst LakersJan 19

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
Long Island University	24-11	-	15-3
Central Connecticut	18-12	3	12-6
Mercyhurst	17-17	5	10-8
Le Moyne	15-17	5	10-8
New Haven	14-17	6	9-9
Wagner	14-17	7	8-10
Stonehill	12-21	7	8-10
Fairleigh Dickinson	11-21	7	8-10
Saint Francis	7-24	10	5-13
Chicago State	7-25	10	5-13

Box score

Stat	Central Connecticut Blue Devils	Chicago State Cougars
Field goals	17-55	26-62
Field goal %	31	42
Three-pointers	5-24	8-28
Three-point %	21	29
Free throws	12-15	10-12
Free throw %	80	83
Rebounds	40	37
Offensive rebounds	14	11
Defensive rebounds	26	26
Assists	11	21
Steals	3	10
Blocks	3	1
Turnovers	14	5
Team turnovers	1	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	11	14
Fast-break points	5	13
Points in the paint	22	30
Fouls	13	18
Largest lead	7	21
Lead changes	2	2
Time in front	23	63

How the scoring went

1st Half22-26Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half22-28CJ Ray makes layup (Braelon Bush assists)
1st Half25-28Jay Rodgers makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jayden Mott assists)
2nd Half27-28James Jones makes layup (Max Frazier assists)
2nd Half27-30Malek Robinson makes layup (Dailliss Cox assists)
2nd Half27-32Malek Robinson makes layup
2nd Half28-32James Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half29-32James Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half29-34Stephen Byard makes layup (Braelon Bush assists)
2nd Half29-37Doyel Cockrill III makes 26-foot three point jumper (Braelon Bush assists)
2nd Half31-37Max Frazier makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Darin Smith Jr. assists)
2nd Half31-40Doyel Cockrill III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marcus Tankersley assists)
2nd Half34-40Roddy Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
2nd Half36-40Max Frazier makes layup (Jay Rodgers assists)
2nd Half36-42Marcus Tankersley makes 1-foot dunk (Braelon Bush assists)
2nd Half36-44Stephen Byard makes 4-foot hook shot (Marcus Tankersley assists)
2nd Half38-44Darin Smith Jr. makes 8-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half38-46CJ Ray makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half38-48CJ Ray makes layup
2nd Half38-49Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half38-50Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half38-52CJ Ray makes 5-foot hook shot (Chauncey Gibson assists)
2nd Half38-55Braelon Bush makes 25-foot three point jumper (Marcus Tankersley assists)
2nd Half39-55Max Frazier makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half39-57Marcus Tankersley makes 8-foot floating jump shot (Braelon Bush assists)
2nd Half40-57James Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half41-57James Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half41-59Stephen Byard makes 2-foot dunk (Marcus Tankersley assists)
2nd Half41-61Braelon Bush makes layup (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
2nd Half43-61James Jones makes 15-foot jumper (Jay Rodgers assists)
2nd Half44-61Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half45-61Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half45-62Stephen Byard makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half46-62Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half47-62Darin Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half47-64CJ Ray makes 19-foot jumper (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
2nd Half49-64Jayden Mott makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot (Darin Smith Jr. assists)
2nd Half49-67CJ Ray makes 24-foot three point jumper (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
2nd Half49-70Marcus Tankersley makes 24-foot three point jumper
2nd Half51-70Jay Rodgers makes layup

Win probability

Above the line favours Chicago State Cougars, below favours Central Connecticut Blue Devils.