Chicago State Basketball: Weather Woes Force Schedule Change

Weather Disruption Forces Chicago State to Reschedule Basketball Matchup

Recent winter storms have caused significant disruptions in travel across the United States, and college basketball is not immune. The Chicago State Cougars were scheduled to host the South Carolina State Bulldogs on Monday, December 1, but the game has been officially canceled. The Bulldogs were unable to travel to Chicago due to adverse weather conditions, forcing a change in the Cougars' schedule.

A winter storm system blanketed the South, making road and air travel hazardous. South Carolina State's inability to reach Illinois left the Cougars without an opponent for the day. However, Chicago State quickly secured a new matchup to fill the gap, turning their focus to a familiar foe in the Chicago area: Saint Xavier.

New Opponent: Saint Xavier Takes the Court

The Cougars will now face the Saint Xavier Xavierians in a non-conference game at the Jones Convocation Center in Chicago. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM ET and will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+. This game provides an opportunity for Chicago State to secure its first win of the season, as they currently hold a 0-8 record.

The Jones Convocation Center, home of the Chicago State Cougars, will host the new matchup. The arena is located in Chicago, Illinois, and has been the backdrop for many memorable moments in Cougars basketball history.

Struggles for the Cougars Early in the Season

Despite the schedule change, the Cougars have had a challenging start to the 2025-2026 season. According to analysis from Action Network, Chicago State's offense has been inefficient, ranking 311th nationally in effective field goal percentage and 333rd in offensive efficiency. The team's leading scorer, Marcus Tankersley, has not received consistent support from his teammates, leading to struggles in the half-court offense.

Defensively, the Cougars have also been overmatched, particularly against power-conference opponents. Their inability to prevent offensive rebounds and foul trouble has been a recurring issue. However, the matchup against Saint Xavier presents a different challenge. The Xavierians are a NAIA team, which might allow Chicago State to apply pressure and potentially force turnovers in transition.

"Chicago State has slowed the tempo down considerably over the last two weeks, as Landon Bussie's Cougars are playing to an average of 65 possessions over their last five contests." - Action Network

Betting Preview and Viewing Information

Oddsmakers have installed Chicago State as a significant favorite against Saint Xavier. The Cougars are favored by 3.5 points with a moneyline of -180. The total for the game is set at 151.5 points. Given the Cougars' offensive struggles and Saint Xavier's defensive capabilities, a low-scoring affair is anticipated.

Fans can catch all the action by tuning in to ESPN+ starting at 12:00 PM ET. For those without a subscription, ESPN+ offers affordable access to a wide range of college sports, including basketball, football, and more.

Conclusion: A Chance for Redemption

The Cougars enter this game as heavy favorites, but the primary objective is to secure their first win of the season. A victory would not only break the eight-game losing streak but also provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they prepare for tougher conference matchups ahead. With the home-court advantage and the support of their fans at the Jones Convocation Center, Chicago State will look to seize this opportunity and turn their season around.