NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by defensive pressure and offensive inefficiency than fluid scoring, the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks pulled away in the second half to defeat the Central Connecticut Blue Devils 70-54 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

Despite committing 23 turnovers, the River Hawks used a dominant third-quarter run to seize control and improve their record to 2-1. The Blue Devils, plagued by poor shooting throughout the contest, remain winless at 0-4.

The game was a struggle for both offenses from the opening tip. Central Connecticut held a narrow 11-10 lead after a disjointed first quarter, but its shooting woes quickly became the story of the game. The Blue Devils managed just nine points in the second quarter as the River Hawks built a 29-20 halftime advantage.

Any hope of a home comeback was extinguished in the third quarter. After Central Connecticut’s Kiyah Lewis and Lucia Noin sparked a brief surge to close the gap, Massachusetts-Lowell responded with a decisive run. The River Hawks exploded for 20 points in the period, consistently answering every Blue Devil basket and stretching their lead to 49-43 heading into the final frame.

The River Hawks then put the game away with a 21-point fourth quarter, capitalizing on a tiring Blue Devils squad that could not find its shooting touch.

Maddie Rice led all scorers, carrying the River Hawks with 23 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Tyanna Medina provided a crucial scoring punch with 16 points, while Jaini Edmonds added 14. The River Hawks’ interior defense was anchored by Klimentina Modeva, who pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked four shots.

For Central Connecticut, the offensive burden fell heavily on Lewis, who finished with 24 points and seven rebounds. Noin was equally formidable, contributing a double-double of her own with 19 points and eight rebounds. However, the rest of the Blue Devils’ lineup combined for just 11 points.

The statistical sheet underscored Central Connecticut’s struggles. The team shot a frigid 27.9% from the floor, making just 19 of 68 attempts. Their performance from beyond the arc was equally bleak, connecting on only 6 of 23 three-point tries. While they matched Massachusetts-Lowell with 14 points in the paint and forced 23 turnovers, they were unable to convert those opportunities into consistent scoring.

Massachusetts-Lowell, while not efficient, was more effective. The River Hawks shot 40% from the field and a solid 40% from three-point range. Their ability to get to the free-throw line also proved critical, as they attempted 28 free throws compared to Central Connecticut’s 12.

The game was played in front of an announced attendance of 312.

The River Hawks look to continue their momentum when they travel to face Massachusetts on Tuesday. Central Connecticut will seek its first victory of the season on the road against Saint John’s next Monday.