FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Wednesday evening, the No. 16 University of Saint Francis Cougars (23-8; 13-6 Crossroads) played host to the Huntington University Foresters (22-9; 11-8 Crossroads) in the opening round of the Crossroads League Tournament at Hutzell Athletic Center, but could not overcome the relentless attack as they fell 80-74.

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The game got off to a thrilling start with both teams battling each other neck-and-neck in the early minutes.

Both teams exchanged one lead after another without either side able to gain a solid edge. Through the game's first 10 minutes, the Cougars held the upper hand as they led 28-23. Throughout the final minutes of the first half though, the Foresters chipped away.

Huntington went on to score 10 unanswered points to take a 35-33 lead over Saint Francis, and the next several minutes went back-and-forth with both teams exchanging leads.

But in the final three minutes of the frame, the Foresters took advantage of a couple turnovers and missed shots by the Cougars as they jumped back out to lead by five at halftime.

Throughout the first half, the Cougars shot 55 percent from the floor, and although they trailed 47-42 after the first 20 minutes, they also trailed in their previous two home games.

Heading into the second half though, matters didn't get better for the Cougars at first. Huntington extended their lead to as big as 12 points in the first five minutes of the frame.

But the Cougars refused to surrender.

USF kept their composure and scored six quick unanswered points to cut the deficit in half. Then, junior guard Jalan Mull got a key steal and put it in for a jump shot, and what followed was another steal by the Cougars and a dunk by sophomore forward David Ejah.

The Cougars were back in business, and after junior Antwaan Cushingberry was fouled and sent to the line, he sank both free throws to tie the game at 60.

The Cougars had stormed all the way back down by 12, and a preceding three by Cushingberry gave the Cougars their first lead since the opening minutes. After that, a back-and-forth battle ensued for the next several minutes, but then the Foresters regained momentum and put the Cougars back behind seven.

Trailing 74-67 with three minutes remaining, the Cougars had to pull out all the stops to earn the victory. Down to the final minute, they still trailed by four, and although they closed to within two points, the Foresters made the free throws they needed to make as the Cougars fell.

Throughout the game, the Cougars shot 42 percent from the floor, 17 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 77 percent from the free throw line. David Ejah led the Cougars in scoring with 25 points and had 10 rebounds for another double-double, and Cushingberry also enjoyed himself a double-double with 20 points scored and 11 rebounds to lead the team.

The Cougars will now await the announcement regarding their status in the NAIA tournament. Follow Saintfranciscougars.com for all details and updates.