Mercyhurst Edges Chicago State in Close Contest
Sunday, January 25, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Mercyhurst Athletic Center
Mercyhurst Lakers 61, Chicago State Cougars 59, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago State Cougars vs Mercyhurst Lakers?
Mercyhurst Lakers beat Chicago State Cougars 61-59 at Mercyhurst Athletic Center on January 25, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago State Cougars vs Mercyhurst Lakers?
Mercyhurst Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -425 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Mercyhurst Lakers narrowly defeated the Chicago State Cougars with a final score of 61-59 at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center. This game was significant not only for its close finish but also for the contrasting fortunes of both teams as they navigated their respective seasons. Mercyhurst improved its record to 11-11, while Chicago State fell to 2-20, continuing a challenging season marked by a nine-game losing streak.
The Lakers entered the game with a 5-5 record over their last ten games, showcasing a recent upturn in form with a two-game winning streak. They averaged 65.7 points scored and allowed 66.0 points during this stretch. Their home record stood at 3-2 in this span, and they had shown resilience, particularly in their last five games, averaging 65.0 points scored and allowing 61.8 points. In contrast, Chicago State's struggles were evident in their recent form, as they had won only one of their last ten games, with a scoring average of 64.2 points while allowing 75.2 points. Their away record was particularly dismal, standing at 1-5 in their last six games, which included a streak of five consecutive losses.
The matchup was also notable for its history, as both teams had faced each other twice in the previous season, splitting the series with one win each. Mercyhurst had previously defeated Chicago State 90-68 at home, while Chicago State had won 85-78 in their earlier meeting. This history added an extra layer of competitiveness to the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing for either team, which meant both squads were likely at full strength for this important contest. The betting market reflected Mercyhurst's status as the favorite, with DraftKings setting the spread at -9.5 in favor of the Lakers and the money line at -425 for Mercyhurst and +330 for Chicago State. The total for the game was set at 131.5, indicating expectations of a relatively low-scoring affair given both teams' recent scoring averages.
The conditions for the game were conducive to basketball, with the venue being the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, where the Lakers had a slight home advantage. Fans witnessed a game that saw several lead changes and a competitive atmosphere throughout.
As the game unfolded, key moments included a series of scoring plays that kept the tension high. In the second half, with the score tied at 53, Marcus Tankersley made a layup to give Chicago State a brief lead, but Mercyhurst responded with a series of crucial baskets. Braelon Bush's three-point jumper gave Mercyhurst a vital cushion, and despite a late push from Chicago State, which included a layup from Tankersley that brought them within two points, the Lakers held on for the win.
Viewers were treated to a game that showcased the grit and determination of both teams, with Mercyhurst's ability to execute in crunch time proving decisive. The Lakers' victory not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the ongoing struggles of Chicago State, who will need to regroup as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MERC -9.5 | 131.5 o -105 / u -115 | Chicago State Cougars +330 · Mercyhurst Lakers -425 |
Leaders
- PointsBernie Blunt III19Mercyhurst Lakers
- AssistsJake Lemelman5Mercyhurst Lakers
- ReboundsMykolas Ivanauskas12Mercyhurst Lakers
- PointsDoyel Cockrill III13Chicago State Cougars
- AssistsMalek Robinson3Chicago State Cougars
- ReboundsDailliss Cox9Chicago State Cougars
Recent form
Mercyhurst Lakers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W265.7 scored · 66 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W61-57at New Haven ChargersJan 23
- W79-61vs Central Connecticut Blue DevilsJan 19
- L57-62vs Stonehill SkyhawksJan 17
- W70-69at Wagner SeahawksJan 10
- L58-60at Long Island University SharksJan 9
- W74-60vs Le Moyne DolphinsJan 4
- L67-74vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsJan 3
- W82-61vs Binghamton BearcatsDec 20
- L62-76at Syracuse OrangeDec 18
- L47-80at Davidson WildcatsDec 13
Chicago State Cougars
Last 10: 1-9Streak L964.2 scored · 75.2 allowed per game1-5 away
- L60-81at Saint Francis Red WolvesJan 24
- L56-62vs New Haven ChargersJan 20
- L57-72vs Le Moyne DolphinsJan 17
- L82-85at Stonehill SkyhawksJan 10
- L63-70at Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsJan 8
- L55-74vs Long Island University SharksJan 4
- L72-79vs Wagner SeahawksJan 3
- L58-78at Indiana HoosiersDec 20
- L55-76at Bowling Green FalconsDec 17
- W84-75at Loyola Chicago RamblersDec 14
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 | Chicago State Cougars | Mercyhurst Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 21-56 | 23-50 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 46 |
| Three-pointers | 9-23 | 10-25 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 40 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 5-7 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 71 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 25 |
| Assists | 12 | 19 |
| Steals | 6 | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 3 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 20 | 20 |
| Fouls | 8 | 9 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 11 | 85 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half20-24Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half23-24CJ Ray makes 25-foot three point jumper (Malek Robinson assists)
- 1st Half23-26Deshaun Jackson Jr. makes 17-foot jumper (Mykolas Ivanauskas assists)
- 1st Half24-26Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half25-26Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half28-26Doyel Cockrill III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Malek Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half28-29Bernie Blunt III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Christian Gamble assists)
- 2nd Half28-31Bernie Blunt III makes layup (Qadir Martin assists)
- 2nd Half28-32Bernie Blunt III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half29-32CJ Ray makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half30-32CJ Ray makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-34Mykolas Ivanauskas makes layup
- 2nd Half30-35Mykolas Ivanauskas makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-35Corey Sands makes 25-foot three point jumper (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
- 2nd Half33-38Jake Lemelman makes 27-foot three point jumper (Bernie Blunt III assists)
- 2nd Half33-40Bernie Blunt III makes layup (Jake Lemelman assists)
- 2nd Half33-41Bernie Blunt III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half34-41Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half35-41Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half36-41Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half36-43Jake Lemelman makes layup
- 2nd Half38-43Dailliss Cox makes layup
- 2nd Half38-45Jake Lemelman makes layup
- 2nd Half40-45Doyel Cockrill III makes 16-foot jumper (Chauncey Gibson assists)
- 2nd Half40-47Christian Gamble makes 18-foot jumper (Jake Lemelman assists)
- 2nd Half42-47Dailliss Cox makes layup
- 2nd Half42-48James Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-48CJ Ray makes 26-foot three point jumper (Malek Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half47-48Braelon Bush makes layup
- 2nd Half47-51Christian Gamble makes 25-foot three point jumper (Deshaun Jackson Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half49-51Marcus Tankersley makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half49-53Qadir Martin makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half51-53Marcus Tankersley makes layup (Chauncey Gibson assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Qadir Martin makes 8-foot jumper (Sean Lang assists)
- 2nd Half51-57Jake Lemelman makes layup (Christian Gamble assists)
- 2nd Half54-57Braelon Bush makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-58Bernie Blunt III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-58Braelon Bush makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Ray assists)
- 2nd Half57-61Bernie Blunt III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Qadir Martin assists)
- 2nd Half59-61Marcus Tankersley makes layup (Braelon Bush assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Mercyhurst Lakers, below favours Chicago State Cougars.
Venue
- Mercyhurst Athletic CenterErie, PA
- Attendance356
- OfficialsGreg Evans, Josh Anderson, Gordon Bentley
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
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