MERCYHURST (2-13, 2-2 NEC) at CCSU (0-15, 0-4 NEC)
Thursday, January 15 – 7:00 p.m.
New Britain, Conn.
TV: NEC Front Row
 
The Mercyhurst women's basketball team heads out on the road for a two-game stretch, starting in New Britain, Conn. where the Lakers meet Central Connecticut State before heading to Stonehill Saturday. Thursday night's contest is set for 7 p.m. and will stream on NEC Front Row.
 
The Opponent
CCSU is still in search of its first win on the season, coming into Thursday's game 0-15 and 0-4 in NEC play.
The Blue Devils were picked fifth in the NEC Preseason Poll, one ahead of Mercyhurst. They've suffered conference losses to LIU, New Haven, Stonehill, and Le Moyne.
Freshman forward Kiyah Lewis lead the Blue Devils in scoring, averaging 12.0 points per game. She adds on 4.7 rebounds per contest.
 
Last Time Out
The Lakers won their first home game of the season Saturday over Wagner, 69-66. Mercyhurst was down by as many as 13 in the opening half, but shot the ball at a 60 percent clip in the second half to make a comeback and improve to 2-2 in NEC action.
Sophomore Lena Walz had a career-high 22 points in the victory, making four 3-pointers, including a crucial one with just over a minute in the fourth quarter.
Sofia Wilson (17), Cici Hernandez (11) and Erica Hall (10) all reached double figures in the victory.
 
3x NEC Rookie of the Week
Sofia Wilson earned her third NEC Rookie of the Week honors of the year and second consecutive nod. Wilson averaged 18.5 points over the two-game span, adding seven steals, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
 
Come From Behind Victory
The Lakers scored their first come from behind win of the year against Wagner. Mercyhurst made 15-of-25 shots in the second half to mount the comeback. The Lakers held Wagner to just one made 3-pointer on the day.
 
Lights Out Lena
Lena Walz has moved into the top five in the NEC in scoring following her 22 point performance against Wagner. The sophomore is averaging 13.3 points per contest on 38.6 percent shooting.
 
Efficient
Mercyhurst has been shooting the ball at an efficient rate over the last three games. Against Le Moyne, LIU, and Wagner, the Lakers have posted three of their best shooting percentages of the year, all above 45 percent.
 
Sharing Sofia
Wilson is third in the NEC in assists per game (2.9) and third in assists to turnover ration (1.0). She has been even better since NEC play began, averaging 3.8 assists per contest.
 
Protecting the Ball
The Lakers have the second-best turnover margin since NEC play has begun at 4.75.
The Lakers are averaging just 12.3 turnovers per game since NEC games began.