NEW YORK – Kyle Johnson scored 19 points, leading four Long Island University players in double figures, and the Blackbirds won their fifth straight in an 87-76 victory over St. Francis (N.Y.) Wednesday night.
C.J. Garner had 17 points, Jamal Olasewere 16 and Julian Boyd his third straight double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds for Long Island (19-5, 11-2 Northeast Conference).
Long Island dominated on the boards, with a 51-30 rebounding advantage that forced St. Francis to send the Blackbirds to the free-throw line. The Blackbirds attempted twice as many free throws as St. Francis, but made only 20 of 34 (58.8 percent). The Terriers (11-13, 6-7) made 11 of 17 free throws (64.7 percent).
That, and Long Island's 19 turnovers — compared to St. Francis' 11 — helped keep the game close.
Travis Nichols scored 15 points to lead St. Francis and Stefan Perunicic added 14.
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