NCAAB · Final

Knights Edge Cougars in Nail-Biter Finish

Thursday, February 19, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Jones Convocation Center

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 60, 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 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs Chicago State Cougars?

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights beat Chicago State Cougars 60-59 at Jones Convocation Center on February 19, 2026.

Who was favored in Fairleigh Dickinson Knights vs Chicago State Cougars?

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights narrowly defeated the Chicago State Cougars with a final score of 60-59 at the Jones Convocation Center. This game was significant as it marked the fourth consecutive victory for the Knights against the Cougars in their recent meetings, extending Chicago State's winless streak against Fairleigh Dickinson to three games this season alone.

Both teams entered the game with contrasting records, with Chicago State holding a home record of 6-22 and Fairleigh Dickinson at 11-17 overall. The Cougars had struggled throughout the season, culminating in a recent record of 4-6 over their last ten games, including a loss in their previous outing against Le Moyne Dolphins, where they fell 63-81. Their average scoring during this stretch was 65.1 points per game, while they allowed 69.6 points.

In contrast, the Knights had a more balanced recent performance, going 5-5 in their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss to Central Connecticut Blue Devils, which ended their prior three-game winning streak. Fairleigh Dickinson averaged 65.8 points scored and allowed 64.5 points during this stretch, showcasing their ability to keep games close.

The matchup was particularly intriguing given the home and away records of both teams. Chicago State had a home record of 3-2 in their last five games, while Fairleigh Dickinson had a 4-3 record at home but struggled on the road with a 1-2 record in their last three away games. This context added a layer of competitiveness to the fixture, as both teams sought to improve their standings.

The Knights had previously defeated the Cougars in three meetings this season, with scores of 70-63 on January 8, 91-49 on February 14, and 58-48 on January 21. These results indicated Fairleigh Dickinson's dominance in their encounters, which likely fueled the Cougars' determination to turn the tide in this matchup.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but it is worth noting that player availability can often impact game outcomes significantly. The market for this game, as reported by DraftKings, favored Fairleigh Dickinson with a spread of 1.5 points and a money line of -130, while Chicago State was listed at +110. The total points set at 131.5 reflected expectations for a competitive and possibly low-scoring game.

The conditions at the Jones Convocation Center were conducive to an exciting atmosphere, with fans eager to support their teams in this crucial late-season contest. As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed a back-and-forth battle that ultimately came down to the final moments.

Key moments in the second half included a layup by Marcus Tankersley that put the Knights ahead 54-53, followed by a free throw from CJ Ray that tied the game at 54. Doyel Cockrill III then made a floating jump shot, giving the Cougars a brief lead at 56-54. However, Ras Elijah Godbolt responded with two free throws to level the score again at 56.

The game continued to swing back and forth, with Arthur Cox hitting a crucial three-pointer to give Fairleigh Dickinson a 59-56 lead. Cockrill III answered back with a three-pointer of his own, tying the game at 59. Ultimately, Joey Niesman secured the win for the Knights with a free throw, sealing the game at 60-59.

This matchup highlighted the competitive nature of college basketball, where every point matters, and teams are often separated by the slimmest of margins. The Cougars will need to regroup as they look to improve their record, while the Knights will aim to build on this hard-fought victory as they navigate the remainder of their season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	FDU -1.5	131.5 o -112 / u -108	Fairleigh Dickinson Knights -130 · Chicago State Cougars +110

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

Leaders

PointsDoyel Cockrill III17Chicago State Cougars
AssistsDoyel Cockrill III5Chicago State Cougars
ReboundsStephen Byard8Chicago State Cougars
PointsArthur Cox20Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
AssistsJoey Niesman7Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
ReboundsJoey Niesman9Fairleigh Dickinson Knights

Recent form

Chicago State Cougars

Last 10: 4-6Streak L165.1 scored · 69.6 allowed per game3-2 at home

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
L57-72vs Le Moyne DolphinsJan 17

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights

Last 10: 5-5Streak L165.8 scored · 64.5 allowed per game1-2 away

L57-63vs Central Connecticut Blue DevilsFeb 14
W66-59vs Saint Francis Red WolvesFeb 13
W55-52vs Mercyhurst LakersFeb 7
W74-58vs Stonehill SkyhawksFeb 6
L72-75at Wagner SeahawksJan 31
L57-58at Stonehill SkyhawksJan 30
L74-87vs Le Moyne DolphinsJan 26
W76-66at Central Connecticut Blue DevilsJan 24
W68-61vs Wagner SeahawksJan 19
L59-66vs Long Island University SharksJan 18

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	Fairleigh Dickinson Knights	Chicago State Cougars
Field goals	21-49	20-44
Field goal %	43	45
Three-pointers	9-19	6-14
Three-point %	47	43
Free throws	9-14	13-17
Free throw %	64	76
Rebounds	34	25
Offensive rebounds	13	6
Defensive rebounds	21	19
Assists	18	18
Steals	4	6
Blocks	1	2
Turnovers	9	8
Team turnovers	2	0
Technical fouls	1	0
Technical fouls, total	1	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	7	8
Fast-break points	0	5
Points in the paint	18	20
Fouls	13	16
Largest lead	8	6
Lead changes	9	9
Time in front	44	38

How the scoring went

1st Half26-24Taeshaud Jackson makes layup (Cyril Martynov assists)
1st Half26-25CJ Ray makes free throw 1 of 2
1st Half26-26CJ Ray makes free throw 2 of 2
1st Half28-26Cyril Martynov makes layup (Arthur Cox assists)
2nd Half29-26Raysean Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half29-28Marcus Tankersley makes 7-foot hook shot (Malek Robinson assists)
2nd Half29-29Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half32-29Joey Niesman makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half32-31Marcus Tankersley makes layup (CJ Ray assists)
2nd Half32-32Chauncey Gibson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half32-33Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half32-34Marcus Tankersley makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half34-34Arthur Cox makes 12-foot turnaround jump shot (Joey Niesman assists)
2nd Half36-34Ras Elijah Godbolt makes 20-foot pullup jump shot (Cyril Martynov assists)
2nd Half38-34Joey Niesman makes 7-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half38-36Stephen Byard makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
2nd Half41-36Joey Niesman makes 25-foot three point jumper (Taeshaud Jackson assists)
2nd Half41-38Stephen Byard makes layup (Doyel Cockrill III assists)
2nd Half42-38Arthur Cox makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half43-38Arthur Cox makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half46-38Arthur Cox makes 25-foot three point jumper (Joey Niesman assists)
2nd Half46-41Doyel Cockrill III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Braelon Bush assists)
2nd Half47-41Arthur Cox makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half47-44Doyel Cockrill III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Marcus Tankersley assists)
2nd Half49-44Arthur Cox makes driving layup
2nd Half49-47Braelon Bush makes 26-foot three point jumper
2nd Half49-48Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half49-49Doyel Cockrill III makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half52-49David Jevtic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ras Elijah Godbolt assists)
2nd Half52-50CJ Ray makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half52-51CJ Ray makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half54-51Arthur Cox makes 7-foot hook shot (Joey Niesman assists)
2nd Half54-53Marcus Tankersley makes layup (CJ Ray assists)
2nd Half54-54CJ Ray makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half54-56Doyel Cockrill III makes 13-foot floating jump shot (Stephen Byard assists)
2nd Half55-56Ras Elijah Godbolt makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half56-56Ras Elijah Godbolt makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-56Arthur Cox makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ras Elijah Godbolt assists)
2nd Half59-59Doyel Cockrill III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Stephen Byard assists)
2nd Half60-59Joey Niesman makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Chicago State Cougars, below favours Fairleigh Dickinson Knights.