NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — In a game defined more by defensive pressure and offensive struggles than fluid scoring, the Wagner Seahawks grinded out a 50-41 victory over the winless Central Connecticut Blue Devils in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 207, saw both teams combine for 34 turnovers and shoot under 40 percent from the field. Wagner improved to 11-12 overall, while Central Connecticut’s difficult season continued, falling to 0-23.

The most critical phase of the game occurred in the second quarter, where Wagner established a defensive foothold that Central Connecticut could never fully overcome. After leading just 11-8 after a sloppy first period, the Seahawks held the Blue Devils to another eight-point quarter, extending their lead to 24-16 at halftime. Central Connecticut shot just 4 of 12 from the field in the second period and committed four turnovers, allowing Wagner to build a cushion despite its own offensive inconsistencies.

Wagner guard Keana Foz, a junior from Mississauga, Canada, provided the necessary offensive spark to capitalize on that defensive work. She finished with a game-high 18 points, adding four assists, a block and a steal in 33 minutes. Her activity was pivotal during Wagner’s key stretches, including a jump shot off an early turnover that opened the scoring and a series of baskets in the second quarter that helped push the lead to double digits.

Central Connecticut, which has now lost 39 consecutive games dating back to last season, was led by Jessica Farrell’s 13 points. The freshman guard from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, played 39 minutes. Senior forward Nicora Patrick of Atlanta added 11 points, and Spanish guard Lucia Noin contributed seven points and a game-high six assists.

The Blue Devils showed resilience in the third quarter, outscoring Wagner 12-8 behind a 3-pointer from Kiyah Lewis and five points from Farrell to cut the deficit to 32-28 entering the final period. The rally brought them within a single possession early in the fourth after a Patrick 3-pointer made it 33-31 with 8:52 remaining.

However, Wagner responded with a decisive 9-2 run over the next four minutes to regain control. The sequence was anchored by Foz, who scored five points during the spurt, including a driving layup that gave the Seahawks a 42-35 lead with 5:25 to play. Central Connecticut would not get closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Wagner’s interior presence, led by 6-foot-3 freshman Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor of Nigeria, proved significant. Modesayor scored eight points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, controlling the defensive glass and providing key second-chance opportunities. Her tip-in layup just before halftime was a crucial momentum play.

The Seahawks shot 41.2 percent from the field but only 3 of 6 from the free-throw line. They compensated by scoring 18 points off 16 Central Connecticut turnovers and holding a 22-18 advantage in points in the paint. Klea Kaci, another Canadian freshman from Mississauga, provided a lift off the bench with 10 points.

Central Connecticut finished shooting 34 percent and made only 5 of 11 free throws. The Blue Devils’ offensive rating of 63.8 points per 100 possessions underscored their difficulties in generating efficient offense against Wagner’s pressure.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Wagner, which defeated Central Connecticut 63-44 on Jan. 29 on Staten Island. The Seahawks will look to build on the win when they host Stonehill next Saturday. Central Connecticut continues its search for its first victory, with Fairleigh Dickinson visiting Detrick Gymnasium next Saturday.