Mallory’s fourth-quarter touchdown lifts Central Connecticut State to 24-23 win over Bryant

Central Connecticut State beats Bryant 24-23

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — James Mallory scored on a 1-yard run with 47 seconds remaining and Central Connecticut State beat Bryant 24-23 on Saturday.

On the ensuing possession, Michael Croce threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Matt Tracey with nine seconds remaining to pull Bryant to within a point, but Chris Bird’s extra-point attempt was no good.

Mallory ran for 94 yards, and Hunter Wanket added 66 yards and a touchdown for the Blue Devils (6-1, 4-0 Northeast Conference). Wanket scored the Blue Devils’ first touchdown on a 16-yard run. The Blue Devils outrushed Bryant 255-68.

For the Bulldogs (3-4, 2-2), Croce went 15-for-30 for 150 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to the touchdown pass to Tracey, Croce hit Mike Canfora for a 6-yard touchdown in the first quarter.