Central women’s basketball senior Belle Lanpher scored her 1000th career point in a loss to Le Moyne College 69-54 on Thursday in Detrick Gymnasium.
Lanpher’s historic basket came late in the fourth quarter, her team-leading 15th and 16th points of the game.
Head coach Way Veney had high praise for her leader on the court.
“Belle has had a fantastic career here,” Veney said. “She’s not only a great basketball player, but she represents the university extremely well.”
The loss drops Central’s record to 4-7 as they continue to battle through Northeast Conference play.
Alongside Lanpher, senior Meghan Kenefick and junior Amaya Williams also scored double figures with 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Kenefick got going early, shooting a scorching 4-for-5 in the first half. She has been vital on both ends of the court for the Blue Devils this season.
“Coach always talks about how, if we want to be a good team, I have to show up on offense and defense,” Kenefick said.
Sophomore Samora Watson, the NEC’s second leading scorer, had an uncharacteristic shooting night but contributed tight defense both on the perimeter and in the paint.
Shooting and rebounding have been a struggle for the Blue Devils, and Veney continued to emphasize them.
“We didn’t execute,” Veney said. “[Shooting] was the big difference in the game.”
Central shot just 8-for-25 from three-point range, while Le Moyne made 6 of 13.
Overall, CCSU’s 31% shooting from the floor simply could not keep pace with Le Moyne’s 46%, and despite taking 11 more shots, Central made 18 baskets to Le Moyne’s 22.
The Blue Devils were outrebounded 37-30, although they did pull down 14 offensive rebounds to Le Moyne’s nine. The difference came on the defensive glass, where Le Moyne’s 28 defensive rebounds were too much for Central to overcome.
Usually adept at drawing steals, CCSU came up with just one on the night from sophomore Cierra Pearson.
The Blue Devils have an opportunity to bounce back on Thursday, Feb. 22, as they welcome the 3-7 Wagner College Seahawks to Detrick before taking on the NEC-leading, 9-1, Sacred Heart Pioneers on Saturday, Feb. 24, for Senior Day.
Sitting in fifth place, Central is still in position for an NEC Tournament berth, provided they win at least two of their final five games.
