CCSU Women’s Basketball Secures 52-48 Victory Over LIU

NEW BRITAIN — The Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 52-48 victory over the LIU Sharks on Thursday, improving their conference record to 2-1. Graduate student guard Belle Lanpher led the charge with a standout performance, recording her second career double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds.

Lanpher, who has scored in double digits in all six games since returning from an injury, also contributed four steals and made 11 of 12 free throws. “The points, I have to give credit to my teammates,” Lanpher said. “They’re the ones that get me open with screens, cut hard, and draw the defense away. Rebounding is all about effort, and I wanted to give my team more opportunities.”

The game started with LIU taking an early 10-0 lead, but CCSU responded with a 9-0 run to close the gap. A jumper by senior Meghan Kenefick gave the Blue Devils their first lead at 11-10 in the second quarter. By halftime, CCSU held a 23-18 advantage.

CCSU extended their lead in the third quarter with an 11-2 run, pushing the score to 34-20. However, LIU fought back in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit to 49-46 with 31 seconds remaining. Lanpher’s clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory for the Blue Devils.

The team shot an impressive 81.0% from the free-throw line and outrebounded LIU 43-40. Sophomore Constance Ogbeide also made her season debut in the game. For LIU, junior Sirviva Legions led with 15 points, while sophomore Janessa Williams grabbed 10 rebounds.

With the win, CCSU improved to 3-13 overall and 2-1 in the Northeast Conference (NEC), placing them third in the standings. The Blue Devils will next face the Wagner Seahawks on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 4:00 p.m. in Staten Island, New York. LIU, now 4-12 and 1-2 in the NEC, will host Stonehill on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Brooklyn.