Long Island hangs on for 71-61 win over St. Francis, Pa.

2/7/2008 10:09 PM

LORETTO, Pa. (AP) - Kellen Allen scored 19 points as Long Island University built up a 25-point second-half lead and then held off a St. Francis, Pa. comeback for a 71-61.

Jaytornah Wisseh had 18 points and David Hicks added 12 for Long Island, who led 47-22 with 19:45 to go.

Bassirou Dieng scored 16 points for St. Francis, which stormed back and close within 61-59 with 2:41 remaining.

Wisseh drove for a key bucket that helped the Blackbirds pull away and later hit two free throws to make it 65-59. Long Island then sank eight consecutive foul shots down the stretch to seal the win.