Preview: Fairleigh Dickinson Hosts Central Connecticut in NEC Women’s Basketball

HACKENSACK, N.J. (Interstat) — A matchup of teams at opposite ends of the Northeast Conference standings unfolds Thursday when the surging Fairleigh Dickinson Knights host the struggling Central Connecticut Blue Devils.

The game at Rothman Center pits a Knights squad (15-4 overall) riding a six-game winning streak against a Blue Devils team (0-17) still searching for its first victory of the season.

Fairleigh Dickinson, led by guard Ava Renninger, has been dominant in conference play. Renninger is coming off a 40-minute performance in a 59-58 win at Long Island on Saturday, where she tallied 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Over her last seven games, the veteran has been a model of consistency, averaging 13.1 points and 5.1 assists while steering the Knights’ offense.

Central Connecticut will lean heavily on the scoring of guard Lucia Noin, who is amid a stellar individual campaign despite her team’s record. Noin exploded for 30 points in the Blue Devils’ most recent outing, a 74-63 home loss to Saint Francis (PA) on Jan. 17. Over her last six games, she has averaged 18.8 points, showcasing her ability to carry the offensive load.

The Knights have built their record on a stout defense, holding opponents to an average of 49.2 points during their current win streak. Their most lopsided victory was a 73-28 rout of Saint Francis (PA) on Jan. 4.

Central Connecticut’s challenges are underscored by its defense, which has allowed 70 or more points in 10 of its 17 losses this season. The Blue Devils have kept games closer recently, with their last four defeats coming by an average of 9.5 points.

The teams will meet again on Feb. 14 in New Britain, Connecticut.

Thursday’s contest tips off at 7 p.m. EST.