By Christopher McLaughlin
Playing lockdown defense all game, the CCSU women’s basketball team (10-7) cruised to a 57-29 victory over NEC rival Fairleigh Dickinson (10-8).
The Blue Devils used a balanced attack on offense, while completely shutting FDU down on defense. The Knights were held to 21 percent from the field and had no players reach double digits in points. CCSU had more points off the bench than FDU did as a team.
“Our defense has really been consistent throughout the season,” said head coach Beryl Piper. “This was the first game that we really worked on pressure defense and it was really effective.”
Despite falling behind 11-7 in the first half, CCSU was able to regain some momentum, going on an 8-0 run and never looking back. After FDU got its eleventh point at the 13 minute mark, it would go on to score only one more field goal for the half.
Neither team shot particularly well for the first half, but CCSU was able to make more baskets, despite taking less shots. The Knights had nine offensive rebounds in the first half, but were unable to capitalize on any of them.
CCSU had five blocks in the first half and kept FDU out of the paint all game. While FDU struggled, the Blue Devils were led by freshman point guard Jessica Babe, who had six points in the first half, coming off the bench.
“We needed to penetrate better,” said Piper. “Jess really did that for us, and she was able to make some nice plays.”
The Blue Devils seemed in control of the first half of the game and came out in the second half determined to keep it that way. Led by Leanne Crockett and Justina Udenze, CCSU quickly built the lead to 20. Udenze led all scorers with 14 points and Crockett, who finished with 10, was a rebound shy of another double-double.
Throughout the second half the Blue Devils continued to pour it on offensively while never relenting on defense. CCSU closed out on the Knights’ shooters, contesting every shot. CCSU built the lead up to as many as 30 points before the end and finished only one point away from doubling FDU’s score.
Even though the Blue Devils played aggressively on defense, the team committed very few fouls. The Knights were held to only two foul shots the entire game as they seemed reluctant to drive against CCSU’s bigs.
The Blue Devils came out on top in nearly every statistical category in this one-sided game. It was the type of game for CCSU that, when the team looks back on it, will remind them of just how dominant they can be.
“We came out almost stagnant,” said Piper. “Luckily we were able to pick it up, which is something we need to do on a consistent basis. A game like this though really gave the kids some confidence.”
The Blue Devils continue to get deeper and deeper into conference play and while they are in a bit of a hole at 3-4, the team appears to be on the right track after winning its second straight game.
CCSU is in the midst of a four game home-stand, and will return to action Mon. Jan. 24, when Monmouth comes to campus.