Bryant opens NEC play Wednesday night at CCSU

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's basketball team begins its quest for a Northeast Conference title on Wednesday night when it faces Central Connecticut in the NEC opener for both schools. Tip is set for 7:00 p.m. in New Britain.

Wednesday's game will be streamed live on NECFrontRow. 

The Particulars
Opponent: Central Connecticut
Location: Detrick Gymnasium (New Britain, Conn.)
Date and Time: Wednesday, Dec. 29 - 7:00 PM EST 
Live Stats: Presto
Video: NECFrontRow
Game Notes: Bryant | CCSU
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #KEB1 | #NECMBB

THE SERIES
Bryant and CCSU will be meeting for the 39th time in program history. The Bulldogs hold a 20-18 lead in the all-time series following 93-68 and 76-64 victories a season ago. It was Bryant's first season sweep of the Blue Devils since 2017. The Black and Gold are now 13-5 in the last 18 against CCSU after starting the DI series 1-6.   

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

1. Bryant is returning from an 18-day layoff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bulldogs' Dec. 19 game at Cornell and Dec. 22 game vs Eastern Kentucky were both canceled due to COVID concerns.      
2. The Bulldogs were picked to finish second in the NEC preseason coaches poll after posting a 10-4 league mark a year ago. Bryant finished second in the regular season and advanced to the NEC Championship for the first time in program history. Bryant is 24-26 in three seasons of NEC play under Jared Grasso.
3. Peter Kiss enjoyed a strong showing vs CCSU last year, recording the first triple-double in program history. He finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in the contest. Kiss added 27 points and seven rebounds in the second game. 
4. Charles Pride enters NEC play ranked sixth in the league in scoring (14.4), third in rebounding (7.3) and sixth in steals (1.73).
5. As a team, Bryant ranks first in the league in rebounding and ranks third in field goal percentage defense.  

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