EASTON, Mass. (Interstat) — Davante Hackett scored 40 points and Stonehill unleashed a dominant first-half offensive display to roll past Saint Francis (PA) 103-77 in a Northeast Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Merkert Gymnasium.

The Skyhawks (10-19, 4-12 NEC) seized control with a blistering shooting performance in the opening period, building a 54-33 halftime lead that the Red Flash (7-23, 4-12) never threatened. Stonehill shot 57.6% from the field in the first half, including 8 of 17 from three-point range, while its defense stifled Saint Francis into a disjointed offensive effort.

The most important part of the game was Stonehill’s immediate and overwhelming offensive surge, which established a tone of superiority that lasted the entire night. After a brief 3-2 lead for Saint Francis in the opening minute, the Skyhawks embarked on a decisive 21-4 run over a five-minute span. Hackett, a 6-foot-3 guard from Brampton, Canada, was the catalyst, scoring 11 points during the burst, including a trio of three-pointers. The Red Flash committed two early turnovers and a shot-clock violation during this stretch, unable to match Stonehill’s pace or execution. The Skyhawks’ lead ballooned to 21 points late in the first half and never dipped below 17 in the second.

Hackett’s 40-point outing on 14-of-24 shooting, including 6 of 13 from beyond the arc, led all scorers. He added three assists and two blocks in 34 minutes. Chas Stinson provided strong support for Stonehill with 16 points, four assists and three blocks. Hermann Koffi added 11 points, while Ridvan Tutic and Trenton Ruth chipped in 10 and seven points, respectively.

Saint Francis was led by Skylar Wicks with 22 points and Gestin Liberis with 15 points. Zion Russell scored 13 points for the Red Flash, who shot 45.5% from the field but were hampered by 11-of-22 shooting from the free-throw line and 10 turnovers.

Stonehill’s offensive efficiency was staggering, scoring 103 points on just 72 possessions for an offensive rating of 143.9. The Skyhawks shot 57.6% for the game (38 of 66) and made 14 three-pointers. They also dominated defensively at the rim, recording 10 blocked shots compared to four for Saint Francis.

The victory avenged a 63-61 road loss to Saint Francis on Jan. 19. Stonehill also covered the pregame spread as a 5.5-point favorite. The combined score of 180 points sailed over the over/under line of 140.5.

An announced crowd of 307 watched as Stonehill improved to 7-7 at home this season. Saint Francis fell to 2-12 in road games.

Both teams return to conference play Saturday. Stonehill hosts Mercyhurst, while Saint Francis travels to face Central Connecticut.