Three-Pointers Sink Men's Basketball Against Army, in Bubbleville on Saturday

The Central Connecticut men's basketball team struggled from three-point range and a first half scoring run lifted Army West Point to a 79-57 win at Mohegan Sun Arena in Bubbleville on Friday. The Black Knights missed their seven three-point attempts, but would finish the opening half half with seven treys to build a 16-point halftime lead on their way to a comfortable victory. 

Central was held to just one field goal during an eight-plus minute span, during which it saw a one-point lead turn into a 13-point deficit.

CCSU shot just 22-of-63 (.349) from the field in the game and was just 3-of-24 (.125) from the three-point arc. The Blue Devils were 10-of-13 (.769) from the foul line.

Central had nine players score in the game. Sophomore Greg Outlaw and junior Nigel Scantlebury were the only Blue Devils in double-figures, scoring 12 and 10, respectively. Senior Stephane Ayangma collected a team-high six rebounds.

The Black Knights managed to build a comfortable lead by using the three-point shot. Army started the game 0-for-7 from the arc before finishing the first half by going 7-of-10 from three-point range. Lonnie Grayson led the barrage, hitting four three-pointers in the first half, and finished with a game-high 24 points on eight three-pointers. Army finished the game shooting 30-of-57 (.526) from the floor and 15-of-31 (.484) from three-point range. The Black Knights also held a 41-31 rebounding edge.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Central Connecticut 57, Army 79
Records: CCSU (0-2), Army (2-0)
Location: Mohegan Sun Arena | Uncasville, CT

KEY MOMENTS

• The teams opened the game shooting a combined 1-of-12 from three-point range, but Army would rattle off a 10-0 run, which included a three-pointer by Lonnie Grayson, to lead 18-9. 
• Central suffered through a stretch of going just 1-for-13 from the field and back-to-back three-pointers by the Black Knights made it 24-11 after a three-pointer by Lonnie Grayson. The Black Knights scored six straight to cap a 16-2 spurt with 5:31 to go in the half.
• The Black Knights, who started the game 0-for-7 from three-point range, took their largest lead of the game with a trifecta just before intermission to make it 38-22. Army was 7-of-17 (.412) from three in the opening half, while CCSU was just 2-of-13 (.154).
• Army built the lead to 56-30 after making five straight shots and running off eight straight points. Central would be unable to cut the deficit than 76-57 following a late three-pointer by junior Zach Newkirk.

 QUOTABLE

"I think it shows we have to continuously play together," said head coach Donyell Marshall. "We kind of got away from that. It's hard to play guys big minutes right now. That's part of it right now. It's just about getting in shape and the minutes and roster will take care of itself."

NUMBER TO KNOW

15 - The Black Knights converted 15 three-pointers, while the Blue Devils had just three three-pointers

NOTES

• Army leads the all-time series, 7-4, but the teams were meeting for the first time since Nov. 19, 2011. CCSU entered the game with a three-game win streak before Friday's setback.
• The Blue Devils had nine players score for the second straight game. Central used 10 players in the game and the only player held scoreless was their leading scorer at UConn. 
• Sophomore Greg Outlaw, who did not play on Wednesday, scored a team-high 12 points in 17 minutes. He added four rebounds and a steal.
• Junior Nigel Scantlebury chipped in with 10 points, along with two rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
• CCSU was 8-of-17 (.471) on three-pointers in the opener and was third in the NEC last year at .357 from the arc, but finished with its lowest total since being held to 2-of-10 at Merrimack on Feb. 27, 2020.

Additional non-conference games and any schedule changes will be announced as they become available.