Hawkins scores 14 points to lead balanced attack as Fairfield defeats St. Francis 65-58

Fairfield knocks off St. Francis 65-58

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Yorel Hawkins scored 14 points to lead four Fairfield players in double figures as the Stags defeated St. Francis (N.Y.) 65-58 on Tuesday night.

Fairfield (9-3) outscored the Terriers (3-8) 42-29 in the second half to erase a 29-23 halftime deficit and win for the fifth time in six games.

Ryan Olander hit a layup and Derek Needham and Hawkins hit jumpers before Needham hit a 3-pointer for a 9-0 streak to start the second half.

Akeem Bennett hit a layup for the Terriers’ first points of the second half, but Anthony Johnson and Lyndon Jordan countered with baskets as the Stags stretched their run to 13-2 for a 36-31 lead with 16:27 left in the game.

Fairfield shot 51.1 percent from the field (15-for-29) in the second half.

Johnson scored 13 points, Needham had 12 and Olander added 10 points for the Stags.

Bennett scored 16 points to lead St. Francis.