Northeast foes will lock horns when the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (14-13) face off against the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (4-23) at Steinberg Wellness Center. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 25.
The Blackbirds enter this game hoping for similar success after topping Saint Francis 94-89 in their last matchup. Martin Hermannsson was the team’s leading scorer with 25 points on 10-for-17 shooting. The Blue Devils, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their ugly 83-57 loss against Wagner in their last game. Evan Phoenix had a team-high 12 points.
Hermannsson has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Blackbirds. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.0 three-pointer. Brandon Peel has upped his play for the Blue Devils. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 17.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.2 blocks.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Blackbirds winning the first matchup 76-67. Hermannsson had a standout performance in the victory, putting up 17 points, one rebound, six assists, three steals, and one three-pointer.
Notes
Central Connecticut State lost its last game by a 26-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, LIU Brooklyn is 1-1. Central Connecticut State is 0-9 in blowouts this season.
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds average a field goal percentage of 42.8% this season. The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils have an abysmal record of 1-18 when opponents have a FG% of 42.8% or greater.
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds and the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. LIU Brooklyn is 273rd and 239th in the nation for eFG% and FG% respectively, while Central Connecticut State ranks 342nd and 335th in these categories.
LIU Brooklyn, the 94th-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 37.9 rebounds per game. Central Connecticut State does worse, ranked 179th with 36.1.
The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds average 7.6 steals per game. When giving up 7 or more steals, the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils have an underachieving record (1-15) this season.
