The Stonehill Skyhawks are set to take on the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils in a crucial Northeast Conference matchup in New Britain, Connecticut, on Saturday at 1 p.m. EST. Stonehill, currently holding a record of 6-12 overall and 2-5 in the NEC, will be looking to end a frustrating five-game road losing streak against a struggling Blue Devils team, which is still searching for its first win of the season at 0-18 and 0-7 in conference play.
Central Connecticut State has faced significant difficulties this season, particularly in home games, where they remain winless. The team ranks last in the NEC in rebounding, averaging just 27.8 boards per game, with Lucia Noin leading the way with an average of 5.8 rebounds. The Blue Devils have struggled offensively, shooting only 33.5% from the field, a stark contrast to the 44.9% shooting percentage that Stonehill allows its opponents.
For the Skyhawks, scoring has been a challenge as they average 59.6 points per game—14.1 points fewer than what Central Connecticut allows, which stands at 73.7 points per game. Stonehill holds a record of 2-5 against conference rivals, including a narrow 1-2 in games decided by three points or less, highlighting their competitiveness in tight matches.
Top performers from both teams will be critical in this matchup. Noin for the Blue Devils is contributing with 12.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Over the past ten games, Jessica Farrell has been a significant scorer for Central Connecticut, averaging 11.9 points while shooting an impressive 40.7%. Stonehill’s Brooke Paquette stands out for her team, averaging 14.2 points, alongside Julia Webster, who has been consistent with 12.5 points per game over the same stretch.
The upcoming game marks the first conference clash of the season between the Blue Devils and the Skyhawks. With both teams eager for a turnaround, this matchup presents a potential turning point as Stonehill searches for a much-needed road victory while Central Connecticut aims to finally secure their first win of the season. The outcome could provide momentum for the remaining games in the season, making this an intriguing contest to watch.