Anosike's scores 27, Sacred Heart tops St Francis (BKN)

Feb 2, 2019, 11:46 pm

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- E.J. Anosike poured in a career-high 27 points to help Sacred Heart hold off St. Francis Brooklyn 71-62 on Saturday.

Anosike sank 8 of 13 shots, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range, and added eight rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Pioneers (10-13, 6-4 Northeast Conference). Jare'l Spellman grabbed 12 rebounds and freshman Cameron Parker, who came into the game with 141 assists -- eighth best in the nation -- had 12 against the Terriers.

The Terriers (13-10, 5-5) and Pioneers began the day in a four-way tie for second place in the NEC.

Chauncey Hawkins came off the bench to score 18 for St. Francis, while Yaradyah Evans reeled in 15 rebounds. Deniz Celen pitched in with 16 points and eight boards, while Glen Sanabria scored 12.

St. Francis led 32-17 with 1:38 left in the first half, but Koreem Ozier hit two 3s and Anosike added another one in a 9-0 run to pull Sacred Heart within 32-26 at halftime. The Pioneers pulled even at 40 on Spellman's layup with 15 minutes left to play. Sacred Heart trailed by two when Aaron Clarke hit a 3 at the 13:09 mark followed by a jumper and Kinnon LaRose and Anosike connected from beyond the arc in an 11-0 spurt that gave the Pioneers the lead for good.