Dawgs begin NEC play at home against CCSU

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - The Bryant University women's basketball team will begin Northeast Conference play on Wednesday against the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut at the Chace Athletic Center. 

The Particulars
Opponent: CCSU
Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.)
Date and Time: Tuesday, Dec. 29 – 1 p.m.
Notes: Game 12 - CCSU
Watch: NECFrontRow
Live Stats: Sidearm Stats
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | 

THE SERIES
The Bulldogs are 15-11 all-time against the Blue Devils. Bryant split the road doubleheader last season, with Bryant falling in the first game 61-53 and then winning the second contest 56-53. Brooke Bjelko and Nicole Gallagher were the leading scorers with 11 and 16.

SCOUTING THE BLUE DEVILS
CCSU heads into Wednesday's matchup with a 2-7 overall record. The Blue Devils fell to Albany before the holiday break by a score of 65-52. Forever Toppin lead led the way with 10 points. Ashley Berube is top of the NEC with 15.89 points per game. She also leads in total points with 143.

WHAT TO KNOW

• Bjelko posted a 16 point 10 rebound double-double in the loss to Vermont last week. She now has 16 career double-doubles and currently leads the conference in field goal percentage (46.7%).
• The Black and Gold have dominated the glass in the first eleven games of the season. The Bulldogs have outrebounded their opponents in six games and are averaging 32.91 rebounds per game to lead the NEC.
• Both Mariona Planes Fortuny and Bjelko have been strong in the paint on the defensive end. Fortuny is third in blocks per game (1.18) and total blocks (13) in the conference. Bjelko also lands on the top-10 in both categories with 1.09 and 12.
• Kemari Reynolds has started to find her groove posting two consecutive games of six points and three assists.
• Shannon O'Connor produced her best shooting game of the season, going 5-for-8 from the field for a total of 10 points against Vermont. This was the second time this year, O'Connor has reached double figures.