Udenze and Crockett Power Blue Devils to 78-70 Victory

Seniors Justina Udenze and Leanne Crockett combined for 50 points to power the Central Connecticut women's basketball team to a 78-70 victory over Bryant. The Blue Devils improved to 14-9 on the season and 7-6 in Northeast Conference action. Udenze dropped in a career high 29 points and Crockett posted a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Udenze powered the Blue Devils under the basket in the first half. The senior center dropped in 11 of the Blue Devils first 13 points. She scored 14 points in the paint and added another five at the free throw line to total 19 in the half. Udenze was seven of seven from the field and five of six at the line, she also grabbed four rebounds.

Junior Alexzandria Dowdy gave the Blue Devils a 10 point led heading into the break when she converted her third steal of the half into a fast break layup with 26 seconds left.

The Bulldogs made a run on the Blue Devils in the second half closing the lead to 56-54 with eight minutes left in the game. Dowdy answered for the Blue Devils by knocking down a three pointer from the corner to put central ahead 59-54, with seven minutes left in the game.

The Blue Devils and Bulldogs continued to score with both teams matching baskets and free throws. Udenze added 10 points in the second half to set a career high of 29 points. She hit on 10 of 11 shots in the game and was nine of 12 from the free throw line.

Crockett took over the game in the second half grabbing nine of her game-high 14 rebounds after the break. She also dropped in 16 points after the break including hitting a pair of free throws to ice the game in the final minute.

Dowdy led the offense from the point, collecting 8 assists while still scoring 15 points of her own.

Udenze's 29 points was the most by a Central player since Gabriella Guegbelet dropped 30 on Monmouth during the 2006 season.

The Blue Devils return to action on Monday night when they host Bryant at Detrick Gym, tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.