SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Sabastian Townes had 28 points and Bryant closed on an 11-1 run as the Bulldogs beat St. Francis (Brooklyn) 76-66 on Thursday night in the Northeastern Conference opener for both teams.

Townes made 7 of 14 from the field and 13 of 16 from the free-throw line. Byron Hawkins added 13 points, making 4-of-4 foul shots in the final 55 seconds, and Juan Cardenas had 12 points and eight rebounds for Bryant (4-8).

Glenn Sanabria hit a 3-pointer for St. Francis (8-6) to make it 65-all with 2:56 to play but the Terriers went 0 for 3 from the field and 1 for 3 from the line, while Bryant hit 9-of-9 free throws, from there.

Sanabria and Jalen Jordan led St. Francis with 14 points apiece.

The Bulldogs made 21 of 42 from the field and set season highs for free throws made (32), free throws attempted (36) and free-throw percentage (.889).