Women's Basketball Cruises Past St. Francis Brooklyn, 71-44 On Senior Day
Nine different players scored, and CCSU shot 48.1%, tallying 10 three-pointers in the Blue Devils win on Saturday.
The Central Connecticut women's basketball team toppled St. Francis Brooklyn, 71-44, in its final home game of the 2016-17 regular season. Prior to Saturday's match, the Blue Devils recognized their three seniors, Chayla Lewis, Giocelis Reynoso, and Aleah Epps, on their accomplishments throughout their career. CCSU totaled 10 three-pointers, drained 26-of-54 (48.1%) shots from the floor, and out-rebounded the Terriers, 42-to-26.
Nine different players scored for CCSU, led by sophomore Kiana Patterson with 17 points. Reynoso pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds, and Lewis dished out a career-high five assists.
The Blue Devils head to Bryant on Monday with a record of 9-8 in the league, and 9-19 overall. St. Francis Brooklyn falls to 5-12 in the NEC, and 7-21 on the year.
CCSU out-scored St. Francis Brooklyn 18-to-4 in the first quarter, with all three seniors scoring for the Blue Devils. CCSU's defense held the Terriers to just 2-for-14 (14.2%).
After missing two games due to an injury, sophomore Andi Lydon connectied on her first two touches without hesitation. The Terriers were forced to call a timeout after Patterson drained a three-pointer to put CCSU up 27-9.
Eight different Blue Devils scored in the first half, giving them a 37-19 advantage over the Terriers heading at halftime. St. Francis was limited to 8-of-28 (28.6%) shooting, while Central made 41.2% (14-of-34) from the floor through 20 minutes of play. Patterson and Lewis led the Blue Devils with seven points.
Patterson broke out the second half with seven consecutive points for Central to put them up 46-23. The Blue Devils continued to share the basketball in the second half, finding each other for a collective 19 assists on the afternoon, and shooting 60.0% (season-best) in the second half.
Freshman Nialla Curtis recorded her first points of the season on a three-pointer off a pass from Lewis, and then finished a fastbreak lay up with .34 seconds left to conclude Central's final home game.
Maria Palarino paced the Terriers with 15 points. St. Francis was held to just 1-of-14 shooting from three, and 19-of-56 from the field.
Central Connecticut will close out the 2016-17 campaign on Monday, at Bryant at 7:00 p.m. in Smithfield, RI. The Blue Devils will play in the Northeast Conference Quarterfinal game on March 5, with an opponent to be determined.