University of the Incarnate Word Athletics

SAN ANTONIO -- Chicago State answered a second-half rally by the University of the Incarnate Word and pulled away for a 66-54 win in the home opener for the Cardinal men's basketball team Thursday. 

Ahead 34-22 at the half, the Cougars scored on their opening possession to push the lead to 14 before UIW responded with a 16-2 run. 

Seven points during that surge came courtesy of Godswill Erheriene, who had an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double while also blocking four shots.

And while the Cardinals were able to tie the game at 38 on a D'arrae Goodwin jumper, they never took back the lead, as the Cougars immediately responded with 12-1 run. The Cardinals would get as close as 54-49 with six minutes remaining, but Chicago State again responded to put the game away.

UIW led 11-5 six minutes into the game, but went just 3-of-17 with five turnovers the rest of the first half. The Cardinals shot just 14-of-53 with 19 turnovers for the game.

Chicago State's second unit also provided a major spark, outscoring UIW's bench 31-5.

Ismail Habib was also in double figures with 14 points, while Mekhi Connor had five assists for seven steals, as Incarnate Word forced 21 turnovers.

Now 0-2, the Cardinals will look to bounce back on Sunday with a trip to El Paso for a 5 p.m. game against UTEP.

Nine of the Cardinals' next 10 games will be on the road.