Preview: Wagner Seahawks at Central Connecticut Blue Devils

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — The Wagner Seahawks look to sweep the season series and halt a brief skid when they visit the struggling Central Connecticut Blue Devils in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball matchup Saturday at William H. Detrick Gymnasium.

Wagner (10-12) enters having lost two straight, including a 49-62 defeat at Le Moyne on Thursday. The Seahawks had previously won three consecutive conference games. Central Connecticut (0-22) remains in search of its first victory of the season following a 69-75 loss at Chicago State on Thursday.

The Seahawks defeated the Blue Devils 63-44 in Staten Island just over a week ago on Jan. 29. In that contest, Wagner’s Klea Kaci scored 14 points in 24 minutes, while Central Connecticut’s Kiyah Lewis led all scorers with 19 points.

Kaci, a player to watch for Wagner, is averaging 9.4 points per game over her last five contests. She scored 11 points in the loss to Le Moyne. For the Blue Devils, Lewis has been a consistent bright spot, coming off a career-high 28-point performance in 40 minutes against Chicago State. She averages 17.2 points per game in her last five outings.

Wagner’s recent success has been built on defense, holding opponents under 55 points in four of their last six wins. Central Connecticut, conversely, has allowed 70 or more points in 12 games this season and ranks last in the NEC in scoring defense.

The Blue Devils will aim to leverage home court and the scoring of Lewis to break their winless streak. The Seahawks, positioned in the middle of the conference standings, need a road victory to stabilize their record before a key homestand.

Saturday’s tipoff is set for 1 p.m. EST. Following this game, Wagner hosts Stonehill on Feb. 14, while Central Connecticut welcomes Fairleigh Dickinson on the same date.