Oglesby Scores 16 Points in 68-52 Blue Devil Home Loss Versus Western Michigan

Freshman Gabrielle Oglesby scored a season-high 16 points to lead Central Connecticut (3-4) in a 68-52 home loss versus Western Michigan (2-4). The Blue Devils rallied from 21 points down at halftime to draw within three points of WMU, but the Broncos closed the game on a 23-10 run. Sophomore Leanne Crockett added eight points and 10 rebounds for CCSU.

Central Connecticut outscored WMU 31-13 over the second half's first 10-plus minutes to cut a 32-11 halftime deficit to 45-42 with 9:38 remaining in the game. However, Western Michigan scored eight unanswered points and held CCSU without a field goal during a 12-1 run to go back in front by double figures.

After falling behind 33-11 to start the period, the Blue Devils scored six straight. They twice traded baskets with the Broncos to keep the margin at 16 points and then used a 12-4 stretch to cut the deficit to single digits. Oglesby scored 11 of the Blue Devil points during the run. After freshman Miame Giden hit a jumper to put WMU back ahead by 10 points, Central Connecticut posted a 9-2 run. Freshman Christie Leverette converted a four-point play and senior Jhanay Harris made a three-pointer to highlight the stretch.

Western Michigan junior Molly Dwyer hit two triples during a 16-3 Bronco response, as the Blue Devils failed to make a field goal until a Crockett lay-in at the 4:28 mark. WMU held its double-digit lead for the remainder of the game.

Giden led the Broncos with 16 points and seven rebounds. Senior Tiera DeLaHoussaye added 10 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four steals. WMU finished the game with a 52-35 advantage in rebounding. Sophomore Brenna Bankston also had seven boards for the Broncos.

Western Michigan opened the game scoring the first 15 points. Their lead grew to 20-2 and was at 230-4 midway through the opening half. Central Connecticut did not reach double figures until the clock was under the one-minute mark.

After shooting 20.8 percent from the floor in the opening half, Central Connecticut hit 13-of-30 second half attempts to finish the game at 33.3 percent from the field. The Blue Devils also rallied in the assist-to-turnover department, posting nine assists against just four turnovers over the final 20 minutes. They finished the game with 11 assists and 16 turnovers.

Sophomore Kerrianne Dugan contributed nine points and a season-high five assists for the Blue Devils.

Central Connecticut opens the Northeast Conference portion of its schedule on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Blue Devils will welcome Mount St. Mary's to Detrick Gymnasium for 4 p.m. contest.