Preview: Chicago State Cougars at New Haven Chargers

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (Interstat) — The New Haven Chargers will look to complete a regular-season sweep when they host the Chicago State Cougars in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game organized by the Northeast on Saturday.

The Chargers (10-13) earned a 62-56 road victory over the Cougars (3-20) on Jan. 19. New Haven guard Jabri Fitzpatrick scored 15 points in that win and is averaging 14.3 points over his last seven games. He is coming off a 17-point performance in a 60-55 loss at Long Island on Thursday.

Chicago State’s hopes hinge on the high-scoring ability of guard CJ Ray. Ray was held to 17 points in the first meeting but is in the midst of a prolific stretch, averaging 23.1 points over his last eight contests. He erupted for a career-high 37 points and 10 rebounds in the Cougars’ last victory, a 78-74 win over Mercyhurst on Jan. 31, and scored 22 in a loss at Central Connecticut on Thursday.

New Haven has struggled recently, losing three of its last four games. The Chargers are 6-4 at home this season.

Chicago State has lost 20 of its last 21 games dating back to November, with the Mercyhurst win standing as its only victory since Dec. 20. The Cougars rank near the bottom of Division I in several defensive categories.

The matchup at Charger Gymnasium tips off at a time to be announced. New Haven hosts Central Connecticut next on Thursday, while Chicago State returns home to face Stonehill next Thursday.