LORETTO, Pa. (AP)—Devin Sweetney scored 26 points as St. Francis of Pennsylvania beat two-time defending Patriot League champion American 65-61 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
The Red Flash overcame a 31-20 halftime deficit and made 5 of 6 free throws, including four by Sweetney, in the final 30 seconds to preserve the victory. Sweetney also had a game-high eight rebounds.
Cedric Latimer added 10 points for the Red Flash.
Riley Grafft led the Eagles with 14 points, shooting 7-for-10 from the field. Stephen Lumpkins and Nick Hendra each added 10 points for the Eagles.
The Red Flash managed only 25 percent (8 of 32) from the field in the first half, but made 11 of 22 (50 percent) in the final 20 minutes.
By contrast, the Eagles made only 9 of 28 (32 percent)from the field in the second half.
