EASTON, Mass. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering disparity in ball security and second-chance opportunities, the Stonehill Skyhawks survived a late surge and multiple missed chances to put the game away, ultimately outlasting the Chicago State Cougars 85-82 in overtime Saturday at Merkert Gymnasium.

The victory, which improved Stonehill to 4-12, was far from straightforward. The Skyhawks coughed up the ball 16 times, leading to 16 Chicago State points, and missed several critical free throws in the final minute of regulation that would have sealed the win. Conversely, the Cougars, who fell to 2-15, committed only four turnovers but were dominated on the glass, particularly on the offensive end where Stonehill held a 16-4 advantage. That rebounding edge translated into numerous extra possessions and ultimately proved decisive in a contest where both teams finished with 29 made field goals.

Stonehill built its foundation on the interior dominance of Ridvan Tutic and the perimeter scoring of Davante Hackett. Tutic, a 6-foot-11 junior from Novi Pazar, Serbia, controlled the paint with 15 points and 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive end. His presence was pivotal in Stonehill’s 16 offensive rebounds, which helped offset their turnover woes. Hackett, a guard from Brampton, Canada, complemented him with 22 points and 11 rebounds, hitting four of Stonehill’s 12 three-pointers.

Chicago State, despite its carelessness with the ball, stayed in the game through the prolific scoring of CJ Ray and the playmaking of Braelon Bush. Ray, a 6-foot-6 guard from Four Oaks, North Carolina, poured in a game-high 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Bush, the 5-foot-9 floor general from Silsbee, Texas, orchestrated the offense with 19 points and seven assists, repeatedly breaking down the Skyhawks’ defense.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final 30 seconds of regulation. With Stonehill leading 71-69, Hermann Koffi missed a three-pointer, but Tutic secured a crucial offensive rebound. He was immediately stripped by Chicago State’s Braelon Bush, giving the Cougars a chance to tie or win. After a timeout, Bush found Doyel Cockrill for a deep three-pointer with five seconds remaining, knotting the score at 71 and forcing overtime. The clutch shot capped a Chicago State comeback from a seven-point deficit with under three minutes to play.

Stonehill regrouped in the extra period, opening with four quick points from Chas Stinson at the free-throw line. Stinson finished with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. The Skyhawks never relinquished the lead in overtime, though they again left the door open by missing two more free throws in the final minute. Chicago State had a final look to tie, but CJ Ray’s contested three-point attempt at the buzzer was off the mark.

The statistical contrast was stark. Stonehill’s 16 offensive rebounds and 12 three-pointers balanced their 16 turnovers and paltry two assists as a team. Chicago State’s 11 assists and mere four turnovers were undermined by their inability to secure defensive boards, allowing Stonehill an offensive rating of 119.8 points per 100 possessions. The Skyhawks also protected the rim with six blocks.

For Chicago State, Cockrill provided a vital spark off the bench with 13 points, all of which came from beyond the arc or the free-throw line. Joseph Owens added seven points and seven rebounds. For Stonehill, Koffi contributed 18 points, including four three-pointers, while Rex Sunderland managed just four points but chipped in six assists and a block.

The game was part of the Northeast Conference schedule. Stonehill was a 4.5-point pregame favorite, and the combined score of 167 surpassed the over/under line of 135. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Stonehill had a 76.6% probability to win entering the contest.

Chicago State will look to end its skid when it hosts Le Moyne next Saturday. Stonehill continues its conference slate on the road at Mercyhurst next Saturday.