Staten Island, NY - Freshman
Kiera Edmonds of the Wagner College women's basketball team recorded the first double-double of her collegiate career in the team's 49-45 victory over Central Connecticut on Saturday afternoon at the Spiro Sports Center.
Edmonds collected 15 points and 11 rebounds to help end Wagner's three-game skid.
While Edmonds and the Seahawks maintained a lead for a majority of the contest, CCSU wouldn't go away, making it a one possession game with 13 seconds remaining. But as it had all day, Wagner's defense prevailed, with freshman Drew Jordon sealing the game by intercepting CCSU's in bounds pass.
The Blue Devils shot just 18-for-58 (31%) from the field, the second lowest mark allowed by the Seahawks in a game this season after limiting Hofstra to a 26.2% clip on November 12.
With the win Wagner moved to 5-13 (2-4), while CCSU dropped to 4-16 (2-5).
A quick 6-0 start for the Seahawks was highlighted by two buckets from Edmonds. While the two teams entered the second quarter tied at nine, the freshman forward continued to dominate the smaller CCSU squad.
Edmonds finished the first half with eight points and six rebounds, but the Blue Devils maintained a slight advantage until the middle portion of the second quarter.
Wagner held CCSU scoreless for the final 6:36 of the opening half, scoring eight consecutive points to take a 21-16 halftime lead. Sophomore Angélie Ricard supplied five points during the stretch. The visitors shot just 3-for-15 (20%) from the field in the period.
Out of the intermission the Blue Devils closed the deficit to one, but a spirited 8-1 run by the Seahawks brought them back in front by eight. A traditional three-point play by Edmonds moved her total to a game-high 11 points before a Ricard three-pointer made it a 29-20 game.
From there, the Green & White's defense held strong, leading to the crucial home victory.
Junior's Angelie Ricard and junior Rakisha Ballinger added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Up next for the Seahawks is a road matchup at NEC newcomer Le Moyne on Thursday, February 1. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
