The Central Connecticut State University women’s basketball team put on a show in Detrick Gymnasium with a 69-54 win over Colgate University on Monday, Dec. 18.
The win was Central’s second of the season as the Blue Devils continue to work through their non-conference schedule.
In a rare 11 a.m. game, the Blue Devils held a Kids Day Out, filling the gym with local elementary school students. The atmosphere was that of a post-season tournament game, with every Central basket being its own celebration.
The kids had plenty to cheer about, as the Blue Devil offense was at full power.
Led by sophomore Samora Watson’s 27 points on 11-for-16 shooting, Central shot an efficient 29-for-55 as a team from the floor.
Sophomore Ally Sentance, a new addition to head coach Way Veney’s starting lineup, doubled her season high in points, scoring 12 and hitting two threes.
Sentance, who has been in and out of the regular rotation this season, seems to have found her role with her newfound confidence in her jump shot.
“It’s something I’ve kind of been struggling with the last few games,” Sentance said. “I work on it a lot in practice, and my coaches have put a lot of emphasis and confidence in me to shoot the ball, and I think it really showed today.”
Veney echoed the importance of confidence in Sentance’s game.
“A lot of her shooting was just her not having the confidence,” Veney said. “We’ve been working a lot, shooting a lot, and I’ve been trying to do everything I can to get her to be a more confident shooter, and today she demonstrated that.”
Watson, however, was once again the star of the show. In addition to her 27 points, her second-highest total this season, she pulled down 12 rebounds and added two assists.
Watson’s rebounding was a key factor in the win for Central and part of her game she takes pride in.
“It’s very important,” Watson said. “We are a smaller team, but all we do in practice is box out. That was essential to this game.”
Watson was also instrumental on defense, drawing Colgate’s lead guard on nearly every possession. Her efforts on the defensive end helped hold Colgate to just 32.8% shooting from the floor.
The hustle of senior Belle Lanpher also made a difference, as she came up with all three of Central’s steals. She also scored 12 points, pulled down five rebounds, dished out four assists, and drew five fouls.
The Blue Devils are back on the road to finish the calendar year, facing Penn State on Dec. 20, followed by a matchup against Morgan State on Jan. 3. They return home to Detrick on Monday, Jan. 8, for their conference opener against Stonehill College.
