The Central Connecticut State University men’s basketball team showcased outstanding teamwork in a closely contested game against the UMass Lowell River Hawks on Sunday, Dec. 1 at Detrick Gymnasium.
With a challenging, fast-paced opponent, the Blue Devils relied on a strong group effort to secure a 69-67 victory.
Head Coach Patrick Sellers commended the team’s preparation, stating, “They’re tough and physical, and we wanted to match toughness for toughness.”
The game started off rocky for CCSU, however, a highlight-reel lob pass from guard Davonte Sweatman to forward Max Frazier shifted the momentum with 12 minutes left in the first half.
From that point, the Blue Devils found their rhythm, forcing nine turnovers, sharing the ball, and excelling on fast breaks. They closed the first half with a 5-point lead.
The second half opened with CCSU building on its lead, but UMass Lowell slowly climbed its way back into the game.
The River Hawks took the lead for the first time since early in the first half, going up 62-61 with 4:30 left in the game.
Sellers regrouped the Blue Devils during a timeout, emphasizing ball movement and rhythm, a strategy that paid off when forward Abdul Momoh scored six consecutive points to reclaim the lead with under a minute left in the game.
Guard Jordan Jones, despite struggling offensively, made a game-changing defensive play with a steal in the final moments.
With less than four seconds left and CCSU leading by two, Sellers brought in Frazier to defend the inbound pass. Frazier’s athleticism was shown as he intercepted the pass, sealing the victory for the Blue Devils.
“We knew if we continued to move the ball and change sides, we’d get in more rhythm for easy baskets,” Sellers said.
Momoh added, “My teammates trust me, and I trust them, so I’m going to give my best effort to them.”
With the win, the Blue Devils improved to 4-3 on the season. They’re on the road for their next game against the UMass Minutemen in Amherst, Massachusetts on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
