HAMDEN, Conn. (Interstat) — The Quinnipiac Bobcats used a dominant defensive performance and a balanced scoring attack to defeat the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 71-49 in a non-conference men’s basketball game on Thursday night at TD Bank Sports Center.

Amarri Monroe led all scorers with 20 points for Quinnipiac, which evened its record at 1-1. Jaden Zimmerman added 19 points and Grant Randall chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds as the Bobcats pulled away in the second half before a crowd of 2,581.

Central Connecticut, also now 1-1, was led by James Jones, who secured a game-high 12 rebounds to go with eight points. The Blue Devils struggled mightily on offense throughout the contest.

Quinnipiac never trailed, establishing control early with a 37-27 lead at halftime. The Bobcats’ defense was the story of the game, holding Central Connecticut to an offensive rating of just 71.4 points per 100 possessions. The Blue Devils shot a frigid 27.7% from the floor, making only 18 of their 65 field goal attempts, and connected on just 4 of 23 from three-point range.

The Bobcats were far more efficient, posting an offensive rating of 102.4. They shot 40.8% from the field and outscored Central Connecticut 36-20 in the paint. Quinnipiac also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 10 points off turnovers compared to just five for the Blue Devils.

The game was characterized by sloppy ball-handling and stout defense, with both teams combining for only 11 total assists. Quinnipiac’s defense was particularly disruptive, recording eight steals and six blocks. Spence Wewe, the 7-foot freshman from Bristol, England, anchored the paint with three blocks and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes of play.

Central Connecticut’s offensive woes were compounded by their inability to take care of the basketball, committing nine turnovers while managing only three assists as a team.

The Bobcats built on their 10-point halftime lead early in the second period, stretching the advantage and never allowing the Blue Devils to mount a serious challenge.

According to Interstat, Quinnipiac was a pregame favorite with a spread of -8.5. The total score of 120 fell well under the over/under line of 147.

UP NEXT

Central Connecticut travels to face Boston College on Tuesday.

Quinnipiac remains at home to host Yale on Tuesday.