PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — The Providence Friars used a dominant defensive performance to secure their first win of the season, pulling away from the Central Connecticut Blue Devils for a 65-40 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday night at Dunkin’ Center.

Stifling the Blue Devils from the opening tip, the Friars forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 21 points. Providence also controlled the paint, outscoring Central Connecticut 40-18, and held a significant advantage in offensive rebounds, 17-9.

The game was decided by a disastrous second quarter for the visiting Blue Devils. After trailing 15-11 through one period, Central Connecticut’s offense went ice-cold, managing just five points in the second quarter. The Friars took full advantage, outscoring them 16-5 in the frame to build a 31-16 halftime lead from which the Blue Devils never recovered.

Providence’s defense was the story, holding Central Connecticut to a frigid 22.4% shooting from the field on 13-of-58 shooting. The Blue Devils also struggled mightily from beyond the arc, connecting on just 2 of 16 attempts.

Teneisia Brown led the Friars with a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Sabou Gueye was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points and added eight rebounds. Orlagh Gormley orchestrated the offense with a team-high six assists to go along with eight points and eight rebounds, while Audrey Shields chipped in 10 points and five rebounds.

For Central Connecticut, Lucia Noin recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and six points. Ciera Pearson led the Blue Devils in scoring with seven points.

The Friars steadily extended their lead after halftime, outscoring Central Connecticut in both the third and fourth quarters to seal the comfortable win. Providence also shared the ball effectively, dishing out 15 assists compared to just three for the Blue Devils.

With the win, Providence evens its record at 1-1. Central Connecticut falls to 0-2 to start the season. The Friars are scheduled to host Boston College on Saturday. Central Connecticut returns to action at home against Sacred Heart on Thursday.

An announced crowd of 668 was in attendance for the matchup.