Saunders scores 24 to lead Wagner past Sacred Heart 76-73

NEW YORK (AP) — Romone Saunders had 24 points as Wagner edged Sacred Heart 76-73 on Thursday night.

Chase Freeman had 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Wagner (7-7, 2-1 Northeast Conference). Elijah Davis also scored 13 points.

Koreem Ozier had 19 points for the Pioneers (6-10, 2-1). E.J. Anosike added 14 points and nine rebounds. Jare'l Spellman had 10 points and three blocks.

Wagner scored 14 of the first 16 points, took a 46-32 halftime lead and Sacred Heart got no closer than the final score after intermission. Wagner shot 43 percent from the floor, but made half of their 26 3-point attempts. The Seahawks also buried 19 of 23 free throws (83 percent). The Pioneers shot 41 percent, but just 31 percent (7 of 23) from distance.