Central Connecticut's pace of play ranks 300th in Division I. St. Francis operates more quickly but not much; it ranks 225. The Blue Devils did bust loose in their NEC tourney opener, scoring 86, but regulation time in the semifinals ended with each squad at 66 points. The Red Flash landed well under this total in their first game, which produced 113 points. The second generated 130, still below this mark. Here's hoping the third matchup between the finalists this season is more like the first, which had 133 points, than the second at 150.

Central Connecticut State hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament in 18 years. Tuesday's NEC Championship Game at Kaiser Hall on CCSU's campus is sold out, and the crowd of 4,500 should give the host Blue Devils an extra edge. The Blue Devils swept St. Francis in the regular season, winning by 15 on the road and 16 at home. The Red Flash certainly has some mojo, entering on a five-game win streak (3 OT wins, then two tight NEC tourney victories). But they've also been fortunate. Look for the Blue Devils to punch their ticket in style.