FAIRFIELD, Conn. – What a night for Sacred Heart University women's basketball guard
Ny'Ceara Pryor, as the sophomore became the fastest player in program history to score 1,000 career points in SHU's 58-53 home victory over Central Connecticut State on Friday.
In her 57th career game, Pryor became the third-fastest player in Northeast Conference (NEC) history to reach 1,000 points. She also set career highs with 27 points and 13 rebounds in her ninth career double-double in an outstanding night for the Baltimore native.
In addition to Pryor breaking a program record, the Pioneers also extended their win streak to six games and increased their lead in the NEC standings with a 9-1 record.
Amelia Wood and
Olivia Tucker joined Pryor in double figures. Wood had her 11th game with 10+ as she tallied 12 points in the win. Tucker recorded her third game of the season in double figure with 11 points.
Records:
Sacred Heart: 15-9, 9-1 NEC
CCSU: 6-17, 4-6 NEC
Top Performers:
Ny'Ceara Pryor: 27 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
Amelia Wood: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal
Olivia Tucker: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
How It Happened:
It all came down to the final quarter as SHU held a three-point lead heading into the fourth. Neither team led by more than four points until 2:25 left in the contest as Sacred Heart owned a 56-51 advantage. Central made a layup to make it a three-point game with 1:13 remaining in the fourth. A pair of free throws sealed the deal for the Pioneers as SHU took the 58-53 victory.
The Blue Devils struck first in the third quarter, taking their first lead of the day, 30-29. CCSU jumped ahead by four midway through the third, but Pryor's 1,000th point sparked an 8-1 run for the home team to end the frame, with the Pioneers pulling away, 40-37.
SHU jumped in front with a five-point lead, 10-5, to start tonight's game with a Wood layup at 4:12 in the opening quarter. The Blue Devils came within two with 1:20 left in the first, but a
Nalyce Dudley bucket as time expired gave the Pios a 15-11 advantage heading into the second quarter.
A Tucker pullup jumper midway through the second gave the Pioneers an eight-point advantage, 27-19. SHU held the eight-point edge until 2:33 in the second. Central Connecticut ended the half with a 7-0 run to pull within one as the Pioneers had a 29-28 lead entering the halftime break.
Up Next:
The Pioneers will be back in action next Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2:00 pm, hosting Wagner for Senior Day.
