No one has ever confused the Chicago State men for having a great basketball program. In 38 years of the program’s history, the Cougars have precisely two winning seasons to their name. They haven’t even finished with double-digit wins since 2014. A powerhouse, this is not.
Coming into Saturday, New Mexico State (-16.5) was supposed to humble the Cougars. They were supposed to give Chicago State and first-year head coach Gerald Gillion a taste of the medicine that, by now, they are very familiar with.
Unfortunately, no one told Chicago State that they were supposed to roll over this close to March (depending on whom you ask anyway).
Hello Monumental Upset.
CHICAGO STATE 😱
The Cougars were 17-point underdogs and +920 on the ML 🤯pic.twitter.com/2l2FdSS9wK
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) February 26, 2022
Never going to bet on New Mexico schools again.
Chicago State 61, NMSU 59.
Took UNM – 8, they are currently down by one to Air Force with 15:21 left in the second half.— Ryan M Tomari (@RyanTomari) February 26, 2022
I hate New Mexico State why would I ever bet a -2200 😓
— Hunter (@Hunter_Espy) February 26, 2022
A 61-59 win on the strength of a driving layup from junior Brandon Betson — only the second-ever win for Chicago State over New Mexico State in 23 tries. A 17-point underdog shocking a massive favorite is perhaps understated now.
Do you think that was the highlight win of Betson’s career? Absolutely. Do you think that was maybe the best win for Chicago State in decades? Let’s say, probably!
We’re this close to this March. Thank the heavens for Chicago State for giving us a small appetizer of the chaos that will soon ensue.
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