FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Tuesday evening, the University of Saint Francis Lady Cougars (17-9; 11-6 Crossroads) played host to the Grace College Lancers (19-12; 9-10 Crossroads) in the opening round of the 2022 Crossroads League Tournament at Hutzell Athletic Center, but could not overcome the relentless Lancers, losing 68-62.

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The game started as a back-and-forth battle as both teams set the tone that this would go right down to the wire.

Saint Francis then took advantage of a couple of three-pointers by freshman guard Chloe McKnight to go ahead 17-13, but the Lancers answered back. The Lady Cougars shot 50 percent from the floor during the frame as they led 19-18 going into the second.

But then at the start of the second quarter, the Lancers took the momentum and built a lead over the Lady Cougars. Grace went on to score 11 unanswered points to pull ahead 29-19 before Saint Francis had to call a timeout.

Through the frame's final five minutes, the Lady Cougars played catch up, and finished the half with five unanswered points of their own to close the deficit to within four points, trailing 31-27 at halftime.

During the first half, the Lady Cougars shot just 33 percent from the floor and were outscored 13-8 in the second quarter.

Returning from halftime, both teams picked up where they left off exchanging blows in the early minutes of the third quarter. The Lady Cougars kept pace with the Lancers despite Grace's resilient offense.

Then halfway through the frame, Cassidy Crawford got the ball in the lane, drove it to the basket and gave the Lady Cougars their first lead since the opening minutes.

Saint Francis then pulled ahead by four, but the Lancers were able to catch back up before the frame ended as the game entered the fourth quarter tied at 44.

In the final minutes, the seesaw battle continued with both teams exchanging leads throughout the final frame. Down to less than four minutes remaining, the Lady Cougars trailed 56-54, but a costly turnover followed by a made three by the Lancers put Saint Francis in dire straits.

Down to the final minute, the Lady Cougars trailed 61-56, but a couple free throws pulled them to within striking distance, now down by just three.

Unfortunately for the Lady Cougars, a costly foul in the final 26 seconds send the Lancers to the free throw line, and both shots were made putting Saint Francis back behind by five, and they were never able to catch back up as their six-game winning streak is snapped.

Throughout the game, the Lady Cougars shot 41 percent from the floor, 30 percent from beyond the three-point line, and 63 percent from the free throw line. Junior guard Cassidy Crawford led the Lady Cougars in scoring with 26 points and in rebounds with 11 for a double-double.

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