FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Maurice Barrow scored 14 points, leading a balanced offensive attack as Fairfield bested Sacred Heart 67-54 on Saturday night in the season opener for both schools.

Leading 22-20, the Stags put together a 13-3 run on their way to a 36-26 halftime lead. Fairfield stayed in control during the second half, leading by as many as 18. The Pioneers cut the lead to 10 with 4:33 remaining, but could not reduce the deficit further.

Barrow also tied a team-high with nine rebounds. Marcus Gilbert also had nine rebounds and added 13 points. Eight players scored for Fairfield. Malcolm Gilbert helped set the tone defensively with eight blocked shots in his first game for the Stags after transferring for the University of Pittsburgh.

Sacred Heart made only 5-of-26 3-pointers and the Stags held a 46-31 rebounding advantage.

Louis Montes scored 19 to lead Sacred Heart.