MARION, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) men's basketball team dropped a Crossroads League matchup to Indiana Wesleyan by a final score of 95-86 on Saturday, February 8. 

USF and IWU, who are both receiving votes in the NAIA polls, saw 11 ties and 14 lead changes during Saturday's matchup. Indiana Wesleyan started strong, jumping to a 17-8 lead early in the game. However, the Cougars responded with a 10-3 run, narrowing the Wildcats' advantage to just one point with 6:40 remaining in the first half. After a 30-second timeout by IWU, senior guard Robert Fry II made a layup, assisted by Branden Northern, giving USF a 28-27 lead. The two teams traded buckets, with neither team able to grab more than a three-point lead. Two free throws made the score 42-39 with just 21 seconds left on the clock. As time began to run out, Indiana Wesleyan made a jump shot to bring the game within one point, with the score at 42-41 in favor of USF at halftime. 

The back-and-forth battle continued in the second half. Saint Francis took a 61-57 lead at the 9:59 mark, but Indiana Wesleyan quickly responded, regaining the lead and extending it to five points. The Cougars managed to tie the score again, and the teams continued to trade baskets. However, IWU regained the lead at 90-83 with just over a minute and a half left in Saturday's game. The Cougars were unable to narrow the Wildcat's lead as Saint Francis fell short in Saturday's game by a final score of 95-86. 

The Cougars shot 52.9% from the field and 52 % (13-25) from three-point range on Saturday. Luke Almodovar led with 25 points while pulling down six rebounds. Northern finished the afternoon with 12 points and a team-high seven assists. Three Cougars scored 11 points on Saturday, including Zane Burke, Fry and D'Amare Hood. Fry also had five rebounds and two steals. Isaiah Malone added nine points, seven rebounds and a block against the Wildcats.

Up next, USF men's basketball (15-9, 8-6) will travel to Ohio to take on Mount Vernon Nazarene University on Wednesday, February 12. Saint Francis fell to MVNU in their first matchup of the season by a final score of 98-73. 

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