With a 74-65 win against Southeast Missouri State on Thursday, Chicago State coach Tracy Dildy reached a pair of milestones. First, the win was the 50th of his career. Second, with that victory he also became Chicago State’s all-time leader in wins since the program transitioned to Division I in 1984.
Bob Hallberg, who coached the Cougars from 1977-1987 through their Division I transition, had 224 victories at Chicago State, but only 49 in Division I.
Deionte Simmons’ layup with 9:42 left Thursday gave Chicago State a 59-58, and the Cougars pulled away in the closing minutes for a 9-point victory. Simmons finished with 17 points off the bench while senior Trayvon Palmer led the way with 18 points and 15 rebounds, his fourth double-double in the last six games.
The Cougars overcame another strong performance by SEMO guard Antonius Cleveland, who had 26 points on 6-of-11 shooting.
Chicago State will face the winner of Troy vs. Cornell on Friday in the conclusion of the Las Vegas Classic.
