- Central Connecticut claims fourth outright NEC regular-season championship
- Devin Haid and Jordan Jones combine for 30 points in defensive showcase
- Blue Devils enter conference tournament on 12-game winning streak
Central Connecticut State solidified its Northeast Conference dominance Saturday night with a 55-48 victory over Wagner College at Detrick Gymnasium. The Blue Devils (23-6, 14-2 NEC) demonstrated why they're the conference's top defensive unit, holding opponents under 50 points for the eighth time this season. This win marks their fourth outright regular-season title since 2016, a testament to the program's sustained excellence under head coach Patrick Sellers.
Guard Devin Haid delivered another clutch performance, converting 55.6% of his field goal attempts while contributing 2 three-pointers. Veteran forward Jordan Jones matched Haid's scoring output with an efficient 15-point showing, including perfect 4/4 shooting from the charity stripe. The Blue Devils' defensive intensity proved decisive, forcing 14 turnovers that translated to 18 points off mistakes.
Wagner's Zae Blake led all scorers with 17 points, but the Seahawks (14-15, 6-10) struggled against Central Connecticut's perimeter defense, shooting just 28.6% from beyond the arc. The Blue Devils have now won 24 consecutive games when holding opponents below 60 points, a strategic emphasis that's paying dividends in conference play.
Regional basketball analysts highlight Central Connecticut's recruiting success in New England as a key competitive advantage. The roster features eight players from Connecticut and Massachusetts, including Haid who prepped at nearby East Hartford High School. This localized approach has created strong community support, with attendance increasing 37% during their championship season.
As the NEC Tournament approaches, three factors favor Central Connecticut's championship aspirations:
- Best scoring defense in conference (58.1 PPG allowed)
- Nation-leading free throw percentage (79.4%) in clutch situations
- 5-0 record against top-four NEC opponents this season
The Blue Devils' sustained success reflects broader trends in mid-major basketball programs. Unlike power conferences that rely on one-and-done recruits, NEC teams typically develop players over multiple seasons. Central Connecticut's starting lineup features three fourth-year players, creating the continuity that's crucial for postseason success.