Sacred Heart beats in-state rival Hartford 71-53

HAMDEN, Conn. (AP) Evan Kelley scored 13 points and had five assists to lead Sacred Heart to a 71-53 victory over Hartford on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Sacred Heart led 28-21 at the break before Yolonzo Moore II scored to pull Hartford within one, 33-32, with 15:50 to play. Steve Glowiak answered with a 3-pointer to spark an 11-2 run and the Pioneers led the rest of the way.

De'von Barnett scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting while Jordan Allen and Glowiak each added 13. Phil Gaetano dished out seven assists for the Pioneers.

Moore made eight of his 13 shots from the floor to finish with 22 points, and Mark Nwakamma scored 15 points with six rebounds to lead the Hawks.

The game was part of the Connecticut 6 Classic hosted by Quinnipiac.