MISHAWAKA, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) men's basketball team dropped a road conference game at No. 22 Bethel University 95-78 on Saturday, December 7.

The Cougars got off to a slow start as the Pilots jumped out to an 8-0 lead at the beginning of Saturday afternoon's game. After Bethel extended their lead to double digits, USF narrowed the gap to just three points with under eight minutes remaining in the first half, thanks to a three-pointer from Zane Burke and a jump shot from Branden Northern. The Pilots were able to maintain the lead, but Saint Francis fought back to make it a two-point game with the score at 44-42 at halftime.

The Cougars tied the game at 44-44 just seconds into the second half. However, the Pilots responded with a 12-3 run, regaining the lead for the remainder of the game. USF tried to put a rally together but would fall short, dropping Saturday's road game by a final score of 95-78. 

Overall, the Cougars shot 43.5% (27-62) from the field. Joe Reidy led USF with a double-double after scoring 18 points and pulling down 11 rebounds, six of which were offensive. Isaiah Malone tallied 17 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes of action on Saturday, while Luke Almodovar added 12 points and a block. Northern tallied seven points while dishing out four assists, while Robert Fry II finished with six points, four assists and two steals. 

Up next, USF men's basketball (10-4, 3-2) will be off for the Holidays and will return to action at home against Indiana Wesleyan on January 4. 

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com.