WBB Opens with OT Win at URI

The Central Connecticut women's basketball team opened the season with a 57-49 overtime victory at Rhode Island on Friday evening.  The Blue Devils (1-0), trailed 45-42 late in the second half, but senior Jaclyn Babe hit a three pointer with three seconds remaining that sent the game to overtime.

WATCH BABE TIE THE GAME AND SEND IT TO OVERTIME

The Blue Devils fell behind at the 12:53 mark in the first half and trailed until senior Kirsten Daamen dropped in a short jumper to give CCSU a 41-40 lead with 2:55 remaining in the game.

Following Daamen's basket, the teams traded the lead until Babe hit the tying three with three seconds remaining.

Central took control in the overtime period with junior Jessica Babe scoring seven of her 11 points after regulation ended.  After a quick score by Rhode Island's Lara Gaspar to open overtime, Jessica Babe drove to the hoop, hit her shot and drew a foul.  She converted the free throw to give the Blue Devils a 48-47 lead that they did not relinquish.

In the first half, the Blue Devils built an early 10-7 lead, but Rhode Island (0-1) was able to take the lead with 12:53 remaining in the half.  Rhode Island built on their 11-10 advantage and took a 20-12 lead into the third media timeout of the first half.

Following the timeout, the Central defense responded by holding the Rams scoreless for four minutes and forty seconds.

During the defensive stand, sophomore Johnna Fisher scored three times to help the Blue Devils close the gap heading into halftime.  Freshman Raven Makins also contributed a jumper and Central closed the gap, but a last second layup by Rhode Island's Lara Gaspar put the Rams in front 26-20 at the end of the period.

Jaclyn Babe led the Blue Devils with 17 points.  Jessica Babe was second with 11 points and also grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

Fisher came off the bench to contribute nine points and five rebounds, including six of Central's 20 points in the first half.

Freshman Nicole Ferguson and Makins both scored the first points of their collegiate careers in the game.

In addition to scoring late in the game, Jaclyn Babe led a defensive effort that recorded 14 steals and forced 27 total turnovers.

CCSU returns to action at Detrick Gym on Tuesday night.  The Blue Devils will host Massachuttes for their home opener.  The game is scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. and fans can watch for free on NECFrontRow.com.