Preview: Chicago State at Central Connecticut NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Interstat) — The Central Connecticut Blue Devils look to get back to .500 in conference play when they host the struggling Chicago State Cougars in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup Thursday at William H. Detrick Gymnasium. The game, organized by the Northeast Conference, pits teams heading in opposite directions. Central Connecticut (11-10) has alternated wins and losses over its last six games, most recently falling 80-59 to Long Island on Saturday. The Blue Devils are 6-5 at home this season. Chicago State (3-19) snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 78-74 home win over Mercyhurst on Jan. 31, one of the Cougars’ few bright spots in a difficult season. They are 1-11 in true road games. A key matchup will feature two of the league’s top performers. Chicago State is led by guard CJ Ray, who is coming off a career game. Ray poured in 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win over Mercyhurst, highlighting a dominant stretch where he has averaged 21.6 points over his last seven contests. Central Connecticut will counter with forward Max Frazier, a consistent two-way presence. Frazier averages 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and leads the team in blocks. He nearly posted a double-double with 14 points and eight rebounds in the loss to Long Island. For Chicago State to pull the road upset, they will need another high-volume scoring night from Ray and support from guards Marcus Tankersley (18 points vs. Mercyhurst) and Chauncey Gibson. The Cougars rank near the bottom of Division I in scoring margin. Central Connecticut, which won the first meeting this season 76-69 in Chicago on Jan. 3, will aim to control the paint with Frazier and exploit a defense allowing over 77 points per game. Guard Jay Rodgers, who had 14 points and eight assists last game, facilitates the Blue Devils’ offense. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Central Connecticut visits New Haven on Feb. 12, while Chicago State travels to face New Haven on Feb. 7.