The Central Connecticut State University men’s basketball team secured a commanding 86-67 victory over the Le Moyne Dolphins in the first round of the Northeast Conference Tournament. Despite a stellar performance by Dolphins forward Dwayne Koroma, who led all scorers in the game with 25 points while shooting 80% from the field, CCSU set the tone early and never lost control.
“[Koroma’s] been consistent, he comes in, he works hard every single day, and you see the results,” Dolphins Head Coach Nate Champion said.
The first five minutes of the game saw both teams trading baskets, creating an exciting atmosphere for fans in attendance. However, CCSU gradually pulled away.
Following the media timeout, CCSU took control of the game. Senior guard Davonte Sweatman played a key role in facilitating ball movement and setting up open shots for teammates. Senior guard Joe Ostrowsky and senior forward Brown capitalized on these opportunities, each sinking 3-pointers that ignited a run. By the 11-minute mark of the first half, CCSU had established a 25-16 lead.
Senior guard Jalen McGlone contributed significantly, finishing with 18 points and five rebounds. His sharp shooting resulted in four made 3-pointers and a field goal percentage above 50% from long range. He attributed his performance to preparation and persistence.
“I look to do the same thing every night,” McGlone said, “working hard in practice, shooting a lot of shots.”
Defensively, senior forward Abdul Momoh and Brown anchored the paint, combining for three blocks. The team also collected 10 steals, leading to fast-break opportunities orchestrated by senior guard Jordan Jones and junior guard Devin Haid. Despite struggling from the perimeter, Jones made his presence felt by aggressively attacking the basket, finishing the game with a team-high 19 points.
“I think it just boils down to keep working hard,” Jones said. “I think the game will reward you if you keep working hard.”
By halftime, the Blue Devils had built a 51-35 advantage.
The second half began sluggishly for CCSU, as they endured a six-minute scoring drought that allowed the Dolphins to chip away at the lead. Recognizing the shift in momentum, Head Coach Patrick Sellers called a timeout to regroup. Following the timeout, CCSU regained its rhythm, spurred by defensive stops and transition play.
“Once we got out of that laze, moving the ball, and it started with our defense,” Sellers said. “We got a couple really good plays on defense, got out in transition, saw the ball go through the hoop, and everything started opening again.”
The adjustment proved effective, as CCSU went on another scoring run, with four players finishing the game in double figures.
Sellers emphasized the team’s depth and selflessness.
“In our rotation, we have eight to nine guys who can all be double-figure players anywhere else,” Sellers said. “Those guys stayed at Central Connecticut, came to Central Connecticut, sacrificed stats, minutes, and numbers to be a part of something special.”
With the victory secured, the Blue Devils now turn their focus toward their upcoming matchup against Fairleigh Dickenson University at home on Saturday. The team is already preparing to contain one of the conference’s top scorers, Terrance Brown.
“We’re going to have to get to work on film and figure out what we’re going to do to limit him,” Sellers said.
