Women's Hoop Locks Playoff Spot
The Central Connecticut women's basketball team secured a playoff spot with today's victory.
The Central Connecticut women's basketball team secured a Northeast Conference Tournament berth with a 69-60 victory over Robert Morris. The Blue Devils (15-13, 9-8 NEC) earned the win over the Colonials (7-21, 6-11 NEC) behind double-digit scoring games from all five starters.
The Blue Devils and Colonials played a tight first half, which featured three lead changes and a 30-28 halftime lead for CCSU.
Central shot extremely well in the first half with junior Jessica Babe leading the offense. Babe connected on five-of-seven three-point attempts in the period, including four threes over the first eight and a half minutes of action. Babe's early shooting success gave CCSU a 21-13 lead with 11:31 left in the period.
The Colonials answered with a 7-2 run that closed the gap to 23-20 and the game remained close throughout the period.
Babe finished the first half with a game-high 15 points. Robert Morris junior Artemis Spanou was close behind with 14 points.
The Blue Devils scored the first six points of the half to take a 36-28 lead. After a Robert Morris layup, CCSU increased its lead to 41-30 with 17:24 left in the game and the Blue Devils eventually built a 16-point lead.
Robert Morris made a frantic comeback late in the game, but the Blue Devils were able to hold on for the nine-point victory.
Today's game is the first time this season that the Blue Devils had five players score in double figures.
Jessica Babe led the way with a career-high 21 points. She also had 12 rebounds in the game and register a double-double for the second straight game.
Senior Jaclyn Babe narrowly missed a double-double with 18 points and eight assists. Babe also had five rebounds and three steals. She did not turn the ball over in the game.
Joining the Babe sisters in double-digits were sophomore Kaley Watras, senior Kirsten Daamen and senior Jameilia Dillon. All three players contributed 10 points. For Dillon the 10 points tie her career-high set last season at Bryant.
Daamen also chipped in six rebounds and three blocks.
The Blue Devils committed a season-low eight turnovers and hit a season-high eight three-pointers. Central shot 50% (8-of-16) from the three-point arc in the game. It is just the second time this season the Blue Devils have hit 50% of their three-point attempts.
Jessica Babe's six three-pointers are a new career-high.
Spanou finished with 28 points and 16 rebounds for Robert Morris. She was the game's high scorer and rebounder.
The Blue Devils conclude the regular season on Monday night against Saint Francis U. The game is schedule to tip-off at 7 p.m at Detrick Gym.
