The Central Connecticut State University men’s basketball team picked up a vital win against Fairleigh Dickinson University on Saturday in Detrick Gymnasium by a score of 71-62.
The story of the game was CCSU’s dominant defensive performance in the first half, holding FDU to just 15 points on four made field goals.
Despite early foul trouble, Central’s big three of graduate student Allan Jeanne-Rose, senior Kellen Amos and senior Jordan Jones were sent to the bench. However, the Blue Devils managed to hold on through a shaky second half and secure the win.
Despite their limited minutes, Amos, Jeanne-Rose and Jones led the way for the Blue Devils’ offense, scoring 16, 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Junior Jayden Brown added 10 points, his third straight game scoring in double figures. He also anchored the Central defense with three steals and a block.
“A win feels great,” Brown said. “It was a bit shaky in the second half, but we pulled through.”
Senior Tre Breland, who led the game in rebounding, and Brown were the only Blue Devils to play more than 30 minutes. Head coach Patrick Sellers ran a rare nine-man rotation that included sophomore T.J. Holloway to better match up against FDU’s deep bench.
Sellers acknowledged the tough second half but maintained faith in his players.
“It’s just older guys and understanding what’s going on,” Sellers said.
The Blue Devils will play three consecutive away games before returning to Detrick on Thursday, Feb. 29, for their second matchup against Long Island University.
