NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The Long Island University women's basketball team (6-6, 1-0 NEC) opened NEC play on the road against Central Connecticut State University (0-12, 0-1 NEC) on Friday, defeating the Blue Devils 72-56 inside Kaiser Hall.  

LIU led the Blue Devils 32-26 after the first 20 minutes of action, and pushed the lead to double digits after outscoring CCSU 17-9 in the third quarter. The Sharks led by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter, maintaining a steady lead in their eventual 16-point win. 

Senior Kadidia Toure led all scorers with 23 points, while juniors Janessa Williams and Solangelei Akridge both scored 13 points. Graduate student Hannah Humphrey also finished in double figures, connecting on four three-point attempts.  

Toure collected 16 rebounds and now has five double-doubles this winter. Williams finished the game with three steals, Akridge recorded a team-high four assists, and freshman Leila Nuñez blocked two shots. 

LIU returns to Brooklyn on Sunday, Jan. 4, when it hosts Chicago State University at 12 p.m. inside the Steinberg Wellness Center.