BOX SCORE

New Britain, Conn. - The University of Hartford women's basketball team (0-1 overall) saw an eight points lead with 6:53 to play in the game evaporate as the Central Connecticut State University Blue Devils (1-0 overall) battled for a 46–41 victory in the 2010-11 season opener at Detrick Gymnasium. The Hawks were led by senior Mary Silvia and sophomore Daphne Elliott who both finished with seven points.

The Hawks used a 10-2 run that spanned three minutes to go ahead 39-31. Following the final bucket of that run, a three pointer from Jackie Smith, the Hawks would muster just two points on a lay-up from Ilicia Mathis for the remaining six-and-a-half minutes, missed 12 of the next 13 shots. Central answered by scoring when it needed to with 10 unanswered points in the final 2:34 to take home the victory.

As a team, the Hawks struggled to find anything but iron the entire night, shooting just 22.4 percent (13-of-58) for the game, including 16.7 percent (4-of-24) in the first half. All but one of the Hawks 10 players who saw time in the game scored, but no one managed double figures. Following Silvia and Elliott's seven points was Alex Hall and Mathis who each added six points and Taylor Clark and Ruthanne Doherty who both contributed four points.

The Hawks also lost the battle of the boards by a 53-43 margin. Amanda Weaver led Hartford's rebounding efforts with a career-high eight boards. Hall and Doherts added six rebounds each, while Keyokah Mars-Garrick added five. The Hawks did force Central Connecticut into 19 turnovers, but could manage to turn those miscues into just 12 points, while the Blue Devils turned the Hawks 15 turnovers into 13 points. CCSU also finished with a game-best nine steals.

The Blue Devils finished the game shooting 29.3 percent (17-of-58) for the game, shooting better than the Hawks in both halves. Leading the Blue Devils was Justina Udenze, who finished with the only double double of the game with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Leanne Crocket led the home team with 13 rebounds, while she and Gabrielle Oglesby added eight points each.

The Hawks will return to the hardwood on Monday night when they travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass. for a match-up against the Boston College Eagles. Hartford and BC are set to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. at Conte Forum.