Central Loses Second Straight to LIU

The second half woes continued for Central Connecticut, as the Blue Devils dropped its second in a row to LIU. Central was outscored by double digits in the second half for the second consecutive game. With the loss, CCSU drops its tenth game of the season and stands at 4-10 in NEC play. LIU wins back-to-back games for the first time this season and moves to 5-11 overall and in conference play.

Forever Toppin tied a season high 17 points and led all scorers in the game. Belle Lanpher scored 8 points for the second night in a row on 3-6 shooting. Dejah Jenkins added 9 points but couldn't get into a rhythm, going 1-7 from three.

The Blue Devils held LIU to 38.5% shooting, but only made 18 field goals as a team. Central also shot 4-18 from three, just 22.2%. The team committed 15 turnovers and only had 6 total assists.

LIU received 13 points from Kennedy Tyalor, who went 6-11 from the floor and collected 2 steals. Brandy Thomas scored her 1,000th career point in the second quarter, as she finished with 9 points for the night.

GAME INFORMATION

Score: CCSU 50, LIU 63

Records: CCSU (4-10, 4-10 NEC), LIU (5-11, 5-11 NEC)

Location: Detrick Gym | New Britain, CT

KEY MOMENTS 

• The Blue Devils started off hot, taking an early 10-2 lead 5:31 into the game. Forever Toppin scored five of the team's 10 points.

• LIU answered with a 7-0 run to take a 11-10 lead with 2:32 remaining in the quarter. Central trailed by just 1 heading into the second.

• The Shaks opened up the second quarter on a 6-0 run, taking a 22-15 lead. Toppin ended the run with a three-pointer from the top of the key.

• Central scored just 29 points in the first half and shot 35.7% from the floor, but only trailed by 3.

• CCSU shot 1-6 to start the half, while LIU went on a 11-2 run and took a 43-31 lead at the 5:40 mark.

• Freshman Belle Lanpher scored 6 points in the third quarter, but Central found itself down 51-38 heading into the final quarter.

• The Blue Devils cut the game to single digits after a bucket from Dejah Jenkins with 4:57 remaining. 

• Ryan Weise responded by knocking down two consecutive three-pointers to bring LIU's lead back up to 15. 

• Central could not find the offense to claw back, scoring just 4 points in the final five minutes of the game.

NUMBER TO KNOW

22 - Central gave up 22 points off of turnovers. Central had just 9 points from turnovers for the game.

NOTES 

• Jamey Napoleon tied a career high 5 blocks for the third time this season. She also added 4 points and 6 rebounds.

• Carly Reynolds found her way back into the starting lineup, scoring 4 points and bringing down 4 boards.

• Central once again let the Sharks feast in the paint, giving up 32 points.

• Senior Ashley Forker scored a season low 1 point and only attempted 2 field goals. 

• The Sharks scored 33 bench points while CCSU scored just 15.

• Claire Sutherland-Case led the Blue Devils with 7 rebounds, but Central was outrebounded 43-31 for the game.

Up Next:

Central hits the road for the final time to meet the Wagner Seahawks. Game one is on Sunday, Feb. 28 tipping at 4:00 pm. Game two will also tip at 4:00 on Monday, Mar. 1.

No fans will be in attendance, but the games will stream for free on Necfrontrow.com.