Women's Basketball Wins at Vermont
The Blue Devils were led by a career-high 24 points from senior Jessica Babe.
The Central Connecticut women's basketball team jumped out to a 26-8 lead in the first half and then held off the Vermont Catamounts for an 82-68 victory on Sunday afternoon in Burlington, VT. The Blue Devils (5-3) were led by senior Jessica Babe's career-high 24 points. Vermont falls to 3-4 on the season with the loss.
The Blue Devils led 36-28 at the half, but a second half charge by the Catamounts cut CCSU's lead to a single-point with 5:47 left to play. A layup by sophomore TeJahne Malone helped CCSU regain the momentum and a three-point advantage. Babe followed with a pair of free throws 40 seconds later to give the Blue Devils a 62-57 led with 4:53 left to play.
Following Babe's free throws, CCSU controlled the action before eventually finishing the game with a 14 point lead.
Babe's 24 points came on seven-of-13 shooting, including a perfect four-of-four from behind the three-point arc. Babe was also a perfect six-of-six at the free throw line. All six of her free throws came over the final five minutes of regulation.
Senior Lauren Arbogast (14 points) and Malone (10 points) also finished in double-digits. Arbogast hit-four-of-nine shots from the floor and six-of-seven from the free throw line. Malone was two-of-three from the floor and six-of-nine at the line.
Malone narrowly missed a double-double as she pulled down a career-high nine rebounds in addition to her 10 points. Malone was also credited with five steals and just one turnover in 17 minutes on the court.
Twelve Blue Devils saw action in the game with 11 scoring multiple points. Nine CCSU players recorded a rebound in the contest.
The game featured 56 total fouls with Vermont being called for 32 and CCSU for 24.
With several CCSU players in first half foul trouble, sophomore Raven Makins came off the bench to contribute four points and four rebounds in 14 minutes of play in the half. She finished the game with six points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal.
The Blue Devils shot 44.4% (24-54) from the field and 50.0% (5-10) from behind the arc. They also hit 29-of-40 free throw attempts in the game for a 72.5% mark.
The 82 points match CCSU's season-high total, which it set against Hartford.
The Blue Devils are now 3-0 against America East teams this season. CCSU will return to action on Sunday, Dec. 15 against America East member UMass-Lowell.