Preview: Wagner Looks to Avenge Recent Loss at Central Connecticut

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — The Wagner Seahawks will seek to even the season series and snap a recent skid against the Central Connecticut Blue Devils when the Northeast Conference rivals meet Saturday at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

The Blue Devils (12-10) earned a 62-55 road victory over the Seahawks (8-13) just over a week ago, on Jan. 29. That result is part of a challenging stretch for Wagner, which has lost seven of its last nine games. Central Connecticut has been inconsistent in conference play, alternating wins and losses in its last six NEC contests.

Wagner enters with momentum from a narrow 79-78 home win over Le Moyne on Thursday, secured on a last-second basket. The Seahawks will again lean on guard Nick Jones, who is averaging 20.3 points per game over his last eight contests. He scored 24 points with six assists in the win over Le Moyne, following a 26-point performance in an overtime victory over Fairleigh Dickinson on Jan. 31. However, Jones was held to just 10 points in the loss to Central Connecticut last week.

The Blue Devils are coming off a 78-67 home win against Chicago State, led by Darin Smith’s 24 points. Smith averages 18.1 points per game and is coming off a 34-point outburst in a win at Saint Francis (Pa.) on Jan. 17. His matchup with Jones will be critical. In the Jan. 29 meeting, Central Connecticut’s defense keyed the win, holding Wagner to 32.8% shooting from the field.

Central Connecticut holds a 12-10 overall record and a 5-4 mark in the NEC. Wagner sits at 8-13 overall and 3-6 in conference play. Following this game, Wagner hosts Long Island on Feb. 12, while Central Connecticut travels to face New Haven the same night.

Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026.