Baron lifts Canisius past South Dakota, 71-66

Nov 11, 2013, 09:59 pm

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Billy Baron pumped in 27 points, 13 in the final 10 minutes, to help Canisius overcome South Dakota, 71-66, in its season-opening game Monday.

Baron's 3-pointer with less than a minute to play put the Golden Griffins ahead for good, 67-64, and he added a pair of clutch free throws with five seconds left to shut the door on the Coyotes.

Baron was just 6 of 15 from the floor, but was 5 of 9 on 3-pointers and 10 of 11 from the line. Jordan Heath added 12 points and Phil Valenti came off the bench to grab 10 rebounds.

Center Trevor Gruis led South Dakota with 18 points and nine rebounds. Brandon Bos added 13 points and Tyler Larson came off the bench to add 10.

South Dakota (0-2) trailed by two at halftime and led by two, 56-54, with 6:46 left.