Northeast: Cent. Conn. 78, Quinnipiac 71

NEW BRITAIN, Conn., March 6 (UPI) -- Damian Battles scored 27 points Wednesday night as Central Connecticut State captured its second Northeast Conference tournament crown in three years with a 78-71 victory over Quinnipiac.

Central Connecticut (27-4) extended its winning streak to 19 games and will have the longest streak of success in the country heading into the NCAA Tournament.

The Blue Devils have not lost since a 94-63 setback at Providence on Dec. 30.

Quinnipiac (14-16) pulled within 71-68 with just under a minute left, but John Alexander and Battles each made two free throws to seal the win for the Blue Devils.

The Braves, who were seeded seventh, upset No. 2 Wagner and No. 3 Maryland-Baltimore County to reach the title game.