WEST HAVEN, Conn. – New Haven Men's Basketball hosted the Chicago State Cougars on Saturday Afternoon, where it fell short 63-57. Jabri Fitzpatrick (North Brunswick, N.J./North Brunswick) led the Blue & Gold with 14 points in the contest.

To get the Chargers started, Stefano Faloppa (Portogruaro, Italy/Holy Cross Prep) knocked down a three-pointer 25 seconds into the game. The Cougars responded, taking the lead. The lead changed seven times within the first half, and even with big defensive stops from the Chargers, Chicago State led at half, 32-22. Faloppa had eight points, Fitzpatrick had five points and four rebounds, Najimi George (Bridgeport, Conn./Kolbe Cathedral) had five points and two rebounds, and Andre Pasha (Syracuse, N.Y./Syracuse Academy of Science) had three points and two rebounds.

At the beginning of the second half, New Haven played tough defensively, not allowing the Cougars to score on their first three possessions. Maision Adeleye threw down a dunk that gave the Chargers momentum, as they went on to hit two three-pointers from Fitzpatrick and George on the following two possessions. New Haven slowly chipped away at the gap throughout the half, as Andre Pasha's (Syracuse, N.Y./Syracuse Academy of Science) three-pointer with 37 seconds left brought New Haven within two, 59-57. 
 
The Blue & Gold are at home again on Thursday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m., for a big conference matchup against the Central Connecticut Blue Devils.