The Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) men's basketball team is set to face the Le Moyne Dolphins on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. for their final regular-season home game. Currently boasting a 21-6 record, CCSU aims to stretch their winning streak to 11 games after clinching the Northeast Conference (NEC) title and the top seed for the upcoming tournament. Their last encounter with the Dolphins ended with a decisive 93-70 victory, highlighted by standout performances, including 20 points from Devin Haid. Coach Patrick Sellers credits impressive three-point shooting and overall efficiency for their recent success.
By the Numbers:
- CCSU has won 10 consecutive games.
- They shot 52.4% from three-point range against Le Moyne previously, compared to Le Moyne’s 36.1%.
- CCSU out-rebounded Le Moyne 42-25 and scored heavily in the paint, 48-22.
- The Blue Devils have not faced defeat since mid-January.
- Le Moyne enters the matchup carrying a two-game losing streak.
According to Coach Sellers, securing this victory is pivotal for reinforcing their position within the NEC. Following the game against Le Moyne, CCSU will face Wagner this Saturday at 6:00 p.m., setting the stage for their playoff aspirations.
Switching gears, the Le Moyne women’s basketball team will also take on CCSU on February 27 at 6:00 p.m. The Dolphins, who are coming off an impressive 83-53 win against LIU, will be looking to avenge their prior matchup against CCSU, which resulted in a 67-50 loss. CCSU is riding a three-game win streak, making them formidable opponents as they prepare to host their NEC rivals.
Key Players:
- From Le Moyne, Sierra Linnin and Haedyn Roberts are expected to play pivotal roles, with Roberts averaging significant points and rebounds per game.
- CCSU's Belle Lanpher has been key, averaging 23.3 points per conference game, posing a considerable challenge for the Dolphins.
Both teams will need to capitalize on their home court strategies as they seek to improve and assert dominance within the conference. Current standings show CCSU holding third place with an 8-5 NEC record, whereas Le Moyne stands sixth at 5-8.
Recent performances highlight the Dolphins' significant victory against LIU, where they set new highs for the season, particularly with field goals made (27) and the margin of victory (30). The game allowed them to tie their season high with 10 steals and demonstrate their potential as they aim to challenge CCSU.
Numbers from prior matchups indicate both teams are strong contenders, with Le Moyne averaging 18.6 points from Linnin during conference play, whose shooting prowess has been instrumental. Roberts follows closely, contributing considerably to rebounds and defensive strategies.
Scouting the Blue Devils, they maintain top rankings within the NEC's statistics, including first place for rebounding averages across conference play. Their recent success can be attributed to standout players like Lanpher and the contributions of both seasoned and rookie athletes, helping to bolster their competitive edge.
Looking forward to the matchup, Le Moyne will strive to exploit their home court advantage once again, needing to turn the tables after previous outcomes. With Williams and Kenefick contributing significantly to CCSU's scoring, Le Moyne's defensive strategies will be put to the test.
Following the contest, Le Moyne will have both away and home games scheduled, ensuring they have ample opportunities to showcase their improved form before the end of the regular season. The stage is set for these two exciting matchups, with both teams vying for supremacy as the conference tournament approaches.