By Christopher McLaughlin
Playing tremendous defense, the CCSU women’s basketball team was able to rally to knock off NEC rival Monmouth 48-45.
Despite shooting significantly better from the field, the Blue Devils (11-7) were forced to battle their way to victory. Led by Gabrielle Oglesby with 14 points, CCSU was able to overcome the ineffectiveness of the rest of its starters.
“We know they’re a good team but we played great defense,” said Head Coach Beryl Piper. “We pressured them and played a little zone which threw them off balance which was good for us, and in the end we were able to make the plays we needed to.”
The Blue Devils jumped out to a five-point lead and it would be the team’s largest lead of the game. Though CCSU was able to maintain its lead for much of the half, Monmouth (13-6) chipped away, and eventually overtook CCSU, finishing the first half with the advantage.
In the closing minutes, Monmouth appeared to be going on a run, but timely three-pointers from Alexzandria Dowdy and Leanne Crockett kept the Blue Devils afloat.
Even though CCSU committed more turnovers, the defense the team played kept Monmouth from blowing the game open. The new-look defense was once again effective, as CCSU held Monmouth to under 40 percent from the field.
The defense played by CCSU was a major factor in keeping the game close, since the team struggled on offense. Foul trouble limited the minutes of Dowdy and back up Jessica Babe, causing the Blue Devils to struggle to find a rhythm. Oglesby and Crockett finished the half with six points a piece, helping keep the Blue Devils in the game.
“With Alex [Dowdy] and Jess [Babe] in foul trouble, we really had to weather the storm in the first half,” said Piper. “Gabby [Oglesby] made some big plays and got some really big baskets, she was a big reason why we won.”
When the second half started, the battle resumed. Both teams fought hard, but neither seemed to find an edge. Any time one team looked to go on a run, the other had an answer. Monmouth was able to build up a small lead after hitting consecutive three-pointers, but CCSU responded quickly.
The six point lead Monmouth built was the largest lead of the game, but didn’t last long. After two quick jumpers by Justina Udenze, Monmouth began to turn its attention on her by sending an extra defender. This opened up the lane for Oglesby, who was able to drive in and score at will. Her eight second-half points helped carry the Blue Devils in a game where leading scorer Kerrianne Dugan was held without a field goal.
Though CCSU had a late lead, Monmouth threatened to tie in the closing seconds. Down two with less than 20 seconds, Monmouth’s Alexis Canady drove in for a layup, where she was promptly rejected by Babe. The block sealed the victory for CCSU, as Monmouth was forced to foul and never got another opportunity to tie the game.
“It was really tough,” said Babe. “They have three really good shooters and we were juggling between them. I picked up on one girl and threw my arms up and I guess I got the block.”
Following the win, the Blue Devils are now .500 in conference play. After falling to 1-4 in conference play, CCSU has rebounded with three straight wins. As the season progresses each game takes on more meaning and the Blue Devils still have the NEC crown in its sight.
“Really big win today but we can‘t be satisfied,” said Piper. “We know that every game we’re going to have to battle. We’re in a tough conference, every game is going to be a war.”
The Blue Devils will resume their home stand on Jan. 29 when Wagner comes to town.