NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Junior guard Tylon Smith converted the game-winning layup with 2.4 seconds remaining as No. 1 seeded Southern Connecticut State scored six points in the final 67 seconds to defeat No. 4-seeded Franklin Pierce on Sunday evening 79-77.
With the victory, Southern Connecticut extends its school-record winning streak to 18 consecutive games and set a new single-season record with its 29th win (29-2). Franklin Pierce’s season comes to a close at 21-8.
SCSU will now play No. 3 seeded Saint Anselm for a spot in the Elite Eight at 7 p.m. Tuesday night at Moore Field House.
The Ravens held a 77-73 lead after a free throw by Ryen Vilmont with 1:07 left. Smith hit two free throws on the next trip down and then added a steal which turned into a successful follow from Luke Houston to tie it at 77. The Owls came up with another defensive stop to set the stage for Smith, who had a team-high 21 points to go with eight assists and five rebounds. Michael Mallory added 17 off the bench for the Owls.
Franklin Pierce received a monster effort from Ellis Cooper in the losing effort with 30 points and 16 rebounds.
