Hartford holds off Sacred Heart for 84-72 win

Dec 15, 2013, 04:38 pm

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Mark Nwakamma scored a game-high 21 points as Hartford held off Sacred Heart to take an 84-72 victory on Sunday.

The Hawks (4-8) led most of the game but had to fend off two Sacred Heart challenges midway through the second half before pulling away on a 20-7 run sparked by Evan Cooper, who hit back-to-back 3-pointers. Justin Graham then protected the lead during the final minutes by going 8 for 8 at the foul line, his only points of the game.

Cooper contributed 17 points, Wes Cole added 15 and Nate Sikma had 10 for Hartford.

Sacred Heart (2-8) twice took the lead in the second half -- first on a De'von Barnett dunk to make it 52-51 and then on an Evan Kelly layup that made it 57-55 -- but couldn't hold it.

Louis Montes and Chris Evans led the Pioneers with 16 points apiece.