Hittle sparks Incarnate Word to 77-61 victory

ABILENE, Texas (AP) Kyle Hittle scored 19 points, including seven during a critical second-half run, and Incarnate Word defeated Abilene Christian 77-61 on Saturday night.

The Cardinals (10-5, 2-3 Southland) came in as the nation's No. 2 scoring team at 86 points per game led by Denzel Livingston, the second-ranked scorer at 23.3.

Livingston, who finished with 17 points, picked up his fourth foul with 10:40 left and Incarnate Word leading by two. Hittle scored seven points during a 13-6 run while Livingston was out and added a 3-pointer later for a 66-55 advantage with 4:01 left. From there, the Cardinals made 7 of 8 free throws followed by dunks from Traylin Farris and Livingston to cap the victory.

Jontrell Walker added 15 points and Farris 13 for the Cardinals.

The Wildcats (9-10, 3-3) were led by Harrison Hawkins with 18 points and Austin Cooke with 14.