CHICAGO — The Long Island University women's basketball team (18-9, 13-3 NEC) tipped off its three-game road trip with a double-digit win over Chicago State University on Thursday night, defeating the Cougars 83-68. 

While Chicago State led the game 17-14 after the first quarter, it didn't take long for the Sharks to respond; freshman Leila Nuñez and graduate student Hannah Humphrey connected on three-point baskets early in the second quarter, the latter of the two giving the Sharks a three-point lead. The Sharks extended their lead to 36-30 entering halftime. 

LIU maintained a steady three-possession lead throughout the third quarter, later extending its lead to double digits on a layup by Humphrey early in the fourth quarter. The Sharks kept the Cougars at bay over the final 10 minutes of action, leaving the Windy City with an eventual 15-point win. 

Senior Kadidia Toure led LIU with 11 points and 11 rebounds, her NEC-leading 13th double double, while Hannah Humphrey (15 points), Kionna Gaines (15 points), and Nuñez (12) all finished in double figures. Junior Solangelei Akridge assisted on five baskets in the win. 

LIU continues its road trip on Saturday, Feb. 28, traveling to face FDU at 2 p.m.