FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University football team has shown it can overcome slow starts. In a rematch of the spring Northeast Conference championship game, the Pioneers overpowered Duquesne in the second half on their way to a 31-13 triumph on Saturday.   

Records:
Sacred Heart: 5-3, 3-1 NEC
Duquesne: 4-2, 2-1 NEC

Top Performers:
Malik Grant (SHU) 186 rushing yards, 34 carries, 2 TDs
Kenneth Womack (SHU): 124 receiving yards, 7 receptions
Keven Peprah (SHU): 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble

Up Next:
SHU has a bye week before going to St. Francis on November 6.

Of Note:
The Sacred Heart defense was stifling in the second half. The Pioneers limited the No. 25 offense in the country to 24 yards and no points in the final 30 minutes. Duquesne did not get into SHU territory in the second half until final drive of the game.
 
For the second week in a row, the Pioneers scored 24 unanswered points in the second half. During its three-straight victories, SHU has outscored its opponents 58-10 in the second half.
 
Midway through the third quarter, Sacred Heart marched 65 yards for the eventual winning score. Malik Grant accounted for 35 yards, including a six-yard touchdown run.
 
On the ensuing drive, the Pioneers extended the lead to 21-13 on a Jalen Madison three-yard plunge. Grant added another touchdown five minutes into the fourth quarter.
 
Grant matched his total from last week with 186 yards on 34 carries. The Bronx, NY native became the ninth Pioneer to rush for 1,000 yards in a season with his 1,039 yards. He has five scores in the last two weeks.
 
Sophomore wide receiver Kenneth Womack was Marquez McCray's main target as he had a career-high 124 yards on seven receptions.
 
Leading the defensive charge was defensive end Kevin Peprah with five tackles, 1.5 sacks and forced fumble that stopped Duquesne from scoring right before the half.

Free safety Salaam Horne had his second interception in three games. He picked off Duquesne quarterback Darius Perrantes late in the third quarter to set up a 35-yard Noah Gettman field goal.