FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Interstat) — Sacred Heart defeated Saint Peter’s 78-71 in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Friday at William Pitt Center. The Pioneers used superior three-point shooting and free throw accuracy to secure the win.

Sacred Heart built a 40-33 halftime lead and maintained it after both teams scored 38 points in the second half. The Pioneers shot 11 for 23 from three-point range and 23 of 29 from the free throw line. Saint Peter’s attempted 20 more field goals but shot just 40.9% from the floor.

Anquan Hill led Sacred Heart with 20 points. Jahki Gupton scored 15 for the Peacocks. Saint Peter’s dominated inside with 40 paint points and 14 offensive rebounds but could not overcome Sacred Heart’s efficiency. Attendance was 869.