Sacred Heart beats New Hampshire 77-59

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) Shane Gibson recorded his first double-double of the season and Chris Evans scored a career-high 19 points, as Sacred Heart beat New Hampshire 77-59 Thursday night.

The Pioneers (6-8) dominated the first half, opening up a 44-22 lead going into halftime. Gibson, who finished with 22 points and 10 boards, had 16 points in the first half on 7-for-10 shooting.

Trailing by 24 with 11:18 to play in the second, the Wildcats went on a 17-2 over a six-minute span. But Gibson answered for Sacred Heart with a 3-pointer to reignite the Pioneers' offense. The Pioneers pulled away with a 16-7 run behind four free throws and a steal by Evans, a 3 by Gibson, and a jumper by Evan Kelley.

Sacred Heart outrebounded New Hampshire 39-29, and outscored the Wildcats 34-12 in the paint.

Chandler Rhoads led the Wildcats (4-5) with 16 points.

Updated December 29, 2011