The Blue Devils Host Series with LIU

Central Connecticut returns home to take on the Sharks of LIU. The two teams will meet each other on Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19 with both games tipping at 4:00 pm. Central split its last two series and now stands at 4-8 overall and in NEC play. LIU is on a five-game losing streak and will come into the matchup with a 3-11 record. Both teams are on the outside looking in for a playoff berth, with the Blue Devils in seventh place and LIU in tenth. Both games will stream for free on Necfrontrow.com.

Game Links: Game Notes (CCSU) | Video (NEC Front Row) | Live Stats 

The Blue Devils recently split a series with Merrimack over the weekend. Junior guard Forever Toppin led the way, averaging 14.0 points for the two games. She knocked down 3 three-pointers in the win and collected 3 steals. Dejah Jenkins was another offensive force, scoring a career high 16 points in the win on Sunday. Jenkins shot an impressive 4-7 from the floor and 6-8 from the free throw line. Claire Sutherland-Case made her first career start on Saturday, scoring 7 points and grabbing 7 rebounds. She once again found herself in the starting lineup on Sunday and scored 4 points in the win. Central shot a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line in the final minute of the game to cap off the win.

The Sharks have struggled as of late, losing its last six out of seven games. Most recently, LIU was swept in a two game series at home by Mount St. Mary's. Kiara Bell played a solid series, averaging 8.0 points and 10.5 rebounds. Shyla Sanford and Zhané Williams each scored in double figures in the second game for LIU. 

With a win:

• The Blue Devils would beat LIU for the second time in a row, dating back to the 2019-20 season.

• Central would win its first back-to-back games of the season.

• The Blue Devils can get back to .500 at home, as the team currently stands at 2-3 form games inside the Detrick Gym.

Quick Notes:

• Central is trailing 22-19 in the all-time series against LIU.

• LIU is shooting just 26.9% from the three point line, while the Blue Devils shoot it over 30%.

• With multiple players out due to injury, Forever Toppin has carried the team offensively. She is averaging a career high 10.6 points and has scored in double figures the past four of five games.

• Jamey Napoleon has been a defensive force, with 32 blocks on the season (2.67 per game) which ranks first in the Northeast Conference. Napoleon is also eighth in the conference in rebounding with 6.7 per game.

• LIU's Brandy Thomas is just 14 points away from reaching the 1,000 mark. The junior is averaging 12.3 points this season.