Blue Devils Drop Conference Home Decision to Sacred Heart, Thompson Scores 13

Sophomore Shemik Thompson had 13 points to pace Central Connecticut (12-14, 7-8) in a 101-67 Northeast Conference home loss against Sacred Heart (13-13, 10-6). Freshman Kyle Desmarais added a career-best 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals, while sophomore Tamir Johnson had 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. The Blue Devils, who started a three-game home stretch tonight, will host St. Francis (NY) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The Pioneers led from the start and never trailed in the victory. The Blue Devils have now lost three straight home games, and during those three games have led for only one minute and 43 seconds.

Thompson became only the fifth player in Central Connecticut men's basketball history to record 125 assists and 50 steals in the same season. He had two assists and three steals on Thursday night. He was 7-of-9 from the line and led the team with 13 points.

Desmarais, who hit a big three in the win over Bryant last Saturday, hit 5-of-7 shots including his second three in as many games. He also grabbed career-bests in rebounds, assists and steals.

Sophomore forward Tamir Johnson had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Blue Devils while freshman Robby Ptacek added nine points and six boards. He also had four assists.

The Pioneers placed six players in double-figures for the second time this season against the Blue Devils. Corey Hassan had a game-high 21 including five three on eight attempts. Sacred Heart hit 15-of-25 threes on the night and made an impressive 40 field goals in the game. They assisted on 28 of those 40 attempts.

The Blue Devils return to action this Saturday at home against St. Francis (NY) beginning at 2 p.m.