NEW YORK — In a gripping semifinal matchup of the Northeast Conference Tournament, Juan Cranford Jr. emerged as the hero for St. Francis (PA), leading his team to a 71-68 victory over LIU. Cranford showcased his prowess by delivering 17 of his 20 total points after halftime and confidently secured the win with a crucial free throw in the game’s final second.
With this win, St. Francis advances to face the victor of the clash between top-seeded Central Connecticut and fourth-seeded Farleigh Dickinson in the NEC championship on Tuesday.
Cranford’s performance was remarkable, hitting 6 out of 11 shots, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, and displaying precision at the charity stripe by sinking all six of his free throws for the Red Flash, who held a record of 15-17. Chris Moncrief contributed significantly with 15 points, courtesy of 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 5 of 6 from the line. Riley Parker also played a key role with 13 points, efficiently shooting 4 of 8 overall and 3 of 6 from three-point range.
On the other side, LIU (17-16) was led by Jamal Fuller, who scored 21 points, and Blake Lander, who added 13.
In the initial phase, Parker was instrumental with 11 points, though St. Francis found themselves trailing 38-23 at the break. However, Cranford took charge in the second half, racking up a team-high 17 points and clinching the decisive basket in the last minute.
