SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - The No. 10 University of Saint Francis Cougars fell to Spring Arbor University by a final score of 67-55 on Saturday, January 19. 

USF and SAU battled back and forth during the first half of Saturday's game. In the first quarter, the USF Cougars established a 10-4 lead at the 5:31 mark. However, Spring Arbor quickly responded, narrowing the gap to just one point with 1:25 remaining in the quarter. After SAU scored to take the 14-13 lead, Chloe McKnight hit a three-pointer just as time expired, putting the Cougars ahead 16-14 heading into the second quarter. The second quarter began with Spring Arbor tying the game before taking an 18-16 lead with 8:43 on the clock. USF and SAU traded baskets, resulting in three ties during the second quarter. With 1:50 remaining in the half, Saint Francis led 27-22, but Spring Arbor managed to tie the game at 27-27 by the halftime buzzer.

The back-and-forth battle continued at the start of the third quarter until Spring Arbor took the lead and extended it to ten points with 2:32 remaining in the period. Despite a rally by the USF Cougars, Spring Arbor maintained a 51-44 lead at the end of the third quarter. Saint Francis struggled to close the gap in the final quarter, ultimately falling to Spring Arbor with a score of 67-55, marking their second loss of the season.

Saint Francis shot 40.4% (21-52) from the floor and 35% (7-20) from deep. Cali Gregory led USF in scoring with 15 points. The freshman also pulled down five rebounds and had a block on Saturday. Julia Mantyla added 12 points and two steals. McKnight finished the afternoon with 11 points, while Cassidy Crawford had eight points, six rebounds and five assists. 

Up next, USF women's basketball (17-2, 7-2) will travel to Taylor University to take on the Trojans for the second time this season on January 25. 

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