WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) Karl Charles scored 20 points, Malachi Alexander hit four 3-pointers and had 19 points, and Holy Cross beat Lafayette 71-54 on Wednesday night.

Holy Cross scored the first seven points of the game, went on a 15-0 run and led 33-13 at halftime behind Charles' 11 points and Alexander's 10. Lafayette was held to 23 percent shooting in the opening 20 minutes.

The Leopards outscored Holy Cross 41-38 in the second half but it was too late.

Patrick Benzan added 11 points for Holy Cross (9-9, 3-2 Patriot League). Anthony Thompson had a team-high seven assists as the Crusaders used 19 assists for 24 made field goals.

Thompson's only points came on an open corner 3-pointer with 14:43 left for a 30-point lead.

Matt Klinewski had 14 points and seven rebounds for Lafayette (6-10, 2-3). Hunter Janacek made three 3-pointers and scored 11 points, and Paulius Zalys added 10 points.

Copyright 2017 by STATS LLC. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC is strictly prohibited.