CHICAGO — The Mercyhurst women's basketball team edged Chicago State, 77-76, with a decisive fourth-quarter push, securing their fifth consecutive victory. The Lakers overcame a 15-point first half deficit to remain perfect on the road in NEC play.
 
Sofia Wilson had a team-high 22 points, shooting 50 percent from the floor and adding eight assists. Cici Hernandez contributed 14 points, making three 3-pointers and distributing three assists. Erica Hall finished with 13 points and collected five rebounds, while Shannon Heine added six points and tallied three steals.
 
The Lakers (6-13, 6-2 NEC) opened the quarter with a fast-paced approach, but early turnovers hindered their momentum. Hall contributed significantly, scoring a layup and adding a 3-pointer, trimming the deficit to five points midway through the quarter.
 
Despite their efforts, the Lakers struggled to contain Chicago State's offense, which capitalized on turnovers. In the closing seconds, Imani Frazier's steal and subsequent layup narrowed the gap slightly, as Chicago State lead 28–16 at the end of the first.
 
Mercyhurst showcased resilience in the second quarter, igniting a 12–2 run that included crucial layups by Wilson and Jenna Van Schaik, tying the game at 32–32 with 2:30 remaining.
 
Chicago State (4-17, 3-5 NEC) briefly pulled ahead with a 3-pointer by Kyara Champagne, but free throws by Van Schaik kept the Lakers within striking distance. The quarter concluded with the Lakers outscoring Chicago State 18–11, narrowing the gap to 39–34 at halftime.
 
In the third quarter, the Green and Blue made a significant surge by tying the game at 39–39 with Wilson's layup and free throw at 7:56. Alena Fusetti's 3-pointer at 1:51 trimmed the deficit to one, setting the stage for Heine's go-ahead 3-pointer at 1:22, giving Mercyhurst a 55–53 lead.
 
Mercyhurst clinched the lead early in the fourth quarter with Lena Walz hitting a 3-pointer, assisted by Wilson at 9:23, putting them ahead 60-59. Wilson continued to contribute significantly, scoring a layup at 6:23 to keep the Lakers within one point. The game remained tight, with both teams exchanging leads until Hernandez broke a tie with a crucial 3-pointer at 2:04, assisted by Wilson, giving Mercyhurst a 71-69 edge.
 
In the final minute, Hernandez extended the lead with a layup at 40 seconds, and Fusetti secured the victory by sinking two free throws with 10 seconds remaining. Despite a late 3-pointer by Chicago State, the Lakers held on to win, 77-76.
 
The Lakers are back on the road Thursday at New Haven before coming home to take on Chicago State again next Saturday, Jan. 31.