Women's Basketball Tops URI, 65-58

The Central Connecticut women's basketball team earned a 65-58 victory over Rhode Island on Wednesday night in Detrick Gymnasium.  Four Blue Devils scored in double figures with senior Jessica Babe leading the way with 17 points.  CCSU improves to 1-2 on the season with the victory and the Blue Devils have now won four straight home openers.

Despite leading the entire game, the Blue Devils were unable to pull away from the Rams until the final moments of the second half.  Rhode Island tied the contest on a layup by Tayra Melendez with 2:55 remaining in regulation, but the Blue Devils answered with back-to-back three-point baskets by freshman Lauren Wolosik and Babe to take a six point lead.

The Rams (0-2) responded and cut their deficit to 59-56, but a strong baseline drive for a layup by sophomore Kayla Miller and a turn-around jumper by senior Lauren Arbogast helped CCSU maintain a two-possession lead.

Wolosik put the final touches on the victory with a pair of free throws on CCSU's next possession.

The Blue Devils carried a 32-29 lead into the half behind nine points from Babe and eight from Arbogast.  Sophomore Amanda Harrington also chipped in six points in the first half.

Harrington was strong in the paint for the Blue Devils with seven rebounds and two blocks.

Babe (17), Wolosik (15), Arbogast (14) and junior Kaley Watras (10) all scored in double-digits.

Harrington's seven rebounds led CCSU on the glass.  Watras (5), Arbogast (5), Thomas (5) and Babe (3) also had strong rebounding games.

As a team CCSU shot 50.0% (22-44) for the game, including a 45% (5-9) mark from behind the three point arc.

CCSU used 11 players in the game with nine securing atleast one rebound.

Wolosik's 15 points are a career-high, she was four-of-four from the floor and six-of-eight from the free throw line.

The Blue Devils have now won four straight home openers.

Tayra Melendez had a game-high 20 points for Rhode Island.

CCSU returns to action next Wednesday against New Hampshire.  The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m.