HACKENSACK, N.J. – Following a 71-56 quarterfinal victory over #5 Stonehill, #4 FDU (9-19, 8-8) now advances to face #1 Central Connecticut (24-6, 14-2) in an NEC tournament semifinal on Saturday. Coverage beings on the YES Network and ESPN+ at 2 p.m. ET.

FDU completed a three-game season sweep of the Skyhawks at home on Wednesday night. It marked the first NEC tournament win for the Knights' second-year head coach Jack Castleberry. His team was led by Terrence Brown, who scored 23 points and dished out six assists in the winning effort. FDU ended the first half on a 9-0 run and the second half on a 16-5 run to create the separation needed to secure the victory. The Knights drilled eight triples and scored 41 second-half points. Their starting big men, Jo'el Emanuel and Bismark Nsiah, contributed an efficient 23 combined points.

The Blue Devils continued their stellar NEC campaign in the tournament's opening round. They delivered their 13^th straight victory with an 86-67 triumph over #8 Le Moyne. NEC Player of the Year Jordan Jones scored 19 points on 13 shots, grabbed five rebounds and totaled four assists. His running mate, and fellow All-NEC selection, Devon Haid contributed 14 points in the win. CCSU is now 24-6 overall and 12-2 at home. They have not dropped a game since January 12.

The first two matchups between these teams this season have both gone CCSU's way. On February 6 in New Britain, they defeated FDU 87-66 after the Knights briefly led early in the second half. The Burgundy and Blue still hold a 30-28 advantage in the all-time series. Their last victory in CCSU's Detrick Gymnasium came on January 14, 2023.

FDU is seeking their second trip to the NEC Championship in three years. They last captured the title in 2019. The Blue Devils are trying to end an 18-year championship drought. The NEC Championship is set for March 11.