Braxton leads hot-shooting St. Francis (Pa) past CCSU, 80-71 (Feb 16, 2017)

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) Keith Braxton scored 19 points and St. Francis (Pa.) rebounded from back-to-back losses to surge past Central Connecticut State to earn an 80-71 victory Thursday night.

Despite the two losses last weekend, the Red Flashes have clinched a playoff spot in the Northeastern Conference tournament. St. Francis is tied with Wagner and Fairleigh Dickinson for fourth place. The top four seeds host first-round tournament games.

Braxton shot 6 of 7 from the field, with his lone miss coming on a 3-point attempt. The freshman was also 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Jamaal King added 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Overall the Red Flashes (12-14, 9-6) shot a crisp 57.7 percent from the field as a team, hitting 30 of 52 shots, including 9 of 19 from long range.

Khalen Cumberlander paced Central Connecticut State (5-21, 3-12) with 25 points, hitting 4 of 7 from long range.