LORETTO, Pa. - Despite impressive three-point shooting and a career-high 21 points from junior Jamir Harris, American University men's basketball fell at Saint Francis, 79-76. The Eagles (1-3) had trailed by eight at halftime before gaining a lead late in the second half.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Eagles hit 13-of-23 from long range (56.5 percent), and their ability to sink a needed three meant AU was never out of the game.
• Harris hit 6-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc on his way to 21 points, also dishing three assists.
• AU was on its heels throughout the first half, trailing by as many as nine points with a couple minutes to go.
• Saint Francis (2-2) still led by eight at halftime, 38-30.
• Sophomore transfer Connor Nelson provided a huge spark off the bench, particularly in the second half. Nelson finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.
• The Eagles chipped away down the stretch and took their first lead with 5:20 to go on a Stacy Beckton, Jr. steal and dunk, 68-66.
• With a tip-in, Nelson gave AU its largest lead of six, 72-66 with 3:21 remaining.
• The lead changed hands a few times in the final minute, with senior Sa'eed Nelson laying it up to put AU on top 76-75 with 21 seconds to go.
• Back on defense, the Eagles fouled three-point shooter Keith Braxton with three seconds left. He made the first two and Tyler Stewart got the rebound and putback on the third shot as time expired.
• The Red Flash were led by redshirt senior guard Isaiah Blackmon with a career-high 28 points 
• Sa'eed Nelson finished with 15 points, six rebounds and a team-high five assists. 
• With 1,637 points, Nelson has moved into sixth place all-time at AU, passing Frank Weiss (1955-58) at 1,632 points. Nelson needs 19 points to move into fifth.

UP NEXT

• AU will have 10 days off before its next game, a 7 p.m. home contest against city rival Howard on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

BENDER ARENA TICKET INFO

• 2019-20 basketball season tickets are available now. Packages are priced as low as $50 and only $200 for the best chairback seats along the sideline for all home games in Bender Arena.
• Season ticket holders receive savings off the individual game price, guaranteeing fans the same great seats for all games in Bender Arena, and benefits that include the full exchange for games they cannot make – as well as discounts, and exclusive benefits throughout the year. All season ticket holders also receive their same seat for all home postseason league games and priority ticketing for all national postseason tournament games.
• AU students are admitted free of charge to home basketball games with a valid AU ID. To renew or purchase season tickets e-mail clawed@american.edu, call (202) 885-TIXX (8499), or for all individual ticket purchase needs visit AUEagles.com/Tickets.

For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball).