MISHAWAKA, Ind. - The No. 13 University of Saint Francis women's basketball team secured a convincing victory over Bethel University, winning 87-50 on Saturday, December 7. This marked the Cougars' 17th consecutive win against the Pilots, with their last loss to Bethel dating back to 2017.

The Cougars started Saturday's game strong, opening with an 8-2 run. The Pilots quickly responded, narrowing USF's lead to two points with 3:53 remaining in the first quarter. However, Saint Francis held off Bethel and ended the first quarter with a 17-10 lead. A three-point shot from Chloe McKnight extended the Cougars' lead to 11 points, making the score 33-22 with just one minute left in the second quarter.

The Saint Francis offense was efficient in the third quarter, with a 70.6% field goal percentage and a 63.6% three-point percentage. The Cougars outscored the Pilots 32-16 in the third, resulting in a commanding 65-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter. A layup from Emma Reust gave the Cougars their largest lead of the night, 81-42 with 4:15 on the clock in the fourth quarter. Saint Francis would go on to win Saturday's game 87-50 to remain unbeaten with an 11-0 record on the season.

As a team, the Cougars shot 47.8% (33-69) from the field and 48.5% (16-33) from three-point range while outrebounding the Pilots 43-30. Cali Gregory shot 11-18 from the floor and 6-8 from deep en route to 28 points. The freshman also dished out four assists and came away with four steals. Julia Mantyla added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Chloe McKnight finished the afternoon with 12 points and five assists. Cassidy Crawford scored seven points with five rebounds in only 15 minutes of action on Saturday.

Up next, USF women's basketball (11-0, 4-0) will travel to Ave Maria, Fla. for two non-conference games against Ave Maria and New College of Florida on December 15-16. 

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