Overtime Victory In Home Opener Sets Blue Devils On Right Track in Conference Play
By Chris McLaughlin
After going down by four late in the game, the CCSU men’s basketball team (4-1, 1-0 NEC) made big plays and came out on top 54-50 in overtime against Monmouth (2-2. 0-1 NEC).
While the Blue Devils led for most of the game, a few late turnovers cost them the lead. CCSU committed 25 turnovers in the game, which allowed Monmouth to pull ahead late in the game. Though the team trailed, CCSU was able to grind out the final minute and send the game into overtime.
“I’m pleased with the outcome, but not so ecstatic with how it was played,” said Head Coach Howie Dickenmen.
The game was close throughout, with neither team going up double digits. However the Blue Devils held the lead until 17 minutes into the second half. CCSU started out strong, and seemed on the verge of blowing the game open, but turnovers kept Monmouth in the game.
During the first half CCSU was able to jump out to an early lead because the length of the Blue Devils defenders stymied Monmouth’s offense. The Blue Devils collected four blocks in the first half, and altered several shots to keep Monmouth from getting into a rhythm. Ken Horton played great help defense, picking up three blocks in the first half, and Joe Efese shut down Monmouth’s seven-footer limiting him to two points on 1-4 shooting.
Although CCSU played solid defense, 10 first-half turnovers prevented the team from building upon the lead. The Blue Devils led by as many as eight in the first half, but went into halftime only up four.
“When you play Monmouth, nothing’s pretty,” said Dickenmen. “We threw the ball away too much and many times it was unforced.”
CCSU started the second half the way it played the first, blocking shots and converting on the other end. The team pushed the lead to nine, before turnovers came into play again. CCSU committed 12 more turnovers in the second half, and their lead evaporated. Monmouth scored 11 of their 25 second half points off of turnovers, which erased CCSUs defensive efforts.
After Monmouth tied the game at 40, a Shemik Thompson turnover allowed Monmouth to go on a fast break and take the lead for the first time since they led 3-2.
In a game where neither team shot the ball well, rebounds played a large factor. Ken Horton led everybody with 14 rebounds and came down with some big boards when the game was close. His efforts limited the second chance points and prevented Monmouth from expanding its late lead.
CCSU trailed by four points with a minute left in regulation when Vince Rosario knocked down a three to cut the lead to one. After Monmouth missed a lay-up to put the lead back at three, Thompson came down with a huge rebound. With Dickenmen electing to not call a time out, Thompson pushed the ball down court. Monmouth went for a steal on an errant pass, but ended up fouling instead. With five seconds left, Joe Efese went to the foul line, where he converted on one of two to tie the game up, and send it into overtime.
“I felt a little pressure,” said Efese. “I’ve been practicing my free throws so I didn’t feel a lot of pressure.”
After CCSU won the tip in overtime, Markeys Deans got a huge and-one to put CCSU up three.
“Before we came out of the huddle coach said I needed to make a big play,” said Deans. “I got wide open and was lucky enough to get an and-one.”
Off to a good start in OT, CCSU used the momentum to remain on top. Despite making more turnovers the Blue Devils were able to convert on offense keeping Monmouth at bay.
“We‘ve won 15 out of our last 20 overtime games which shows our toughness,” said Dickenmen “We were lucky to make the big plays, getting the tip in OT was big it got us a three-point play, and the three by Rosario was gigantic.”
Following the game, CCSU will go on the road for four straight games before returning home on Dec. 19 when they play Niagara.