FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) men's basketball team played host to the Bethel University (Ind.) Pilots for the first game of 2024. The Cougars fell to the Pilots with a 96-88 final. The Cougars led by 1-point at the half, and made things very difficult for the Pilots, as they only took over the lead within the last 4-minutes of the game. 

The last time these two teams met was in February of last season, where the Cougars went into OT with the Pilots for a 1-point victory of 102-101. Hutzell Athletic Center was electric with everyone on break coming in to support and witness class basketball. As a team, USF shot 55.8% from the field, 45.5% from 3-point range, & 74.1% from the free throw line.

Zane Burke went 5-for-8 from 3-pt. range and 6-for-12 from the field to contribute 17 points to the effort, while also adding in 6 asissts and 5 rebounds. Luke Almodovar (9-for-10 from foul line) led in overall scoring with 19-points & 3 assists, but was sidelined due to some foul trouble. Isaiah Malone (7-for-8 from foul line) also contributed off the bench with 17-points & 7 rebounds, but shorted his efforts due to foul trouble too. Joe Reidy & Branden Northern were in double-digit scoring for the Cougars, combining for 24 points & 10 rebounds. Northern also tallied 5 assists and 3 steals. 

The Pilots shot 55.2% from the field & 40% from 3-point range and shifted momentum from the Cougars due to the lead of Drew Lutz & untimely turnovers & missed "bunny" shots. The Cougars are now 9-5 overall and 2-2 in Crossroads League Play. USF currently sits in 4th in CL play with a 4-way tie at 2-2 with Marian, Mount Vernon (Ohio), Huntington, & Spring Arbor (Mich.). The Cougars will return to CL Play action this Saturday on the road. USF will take on the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats in Luckey Arena with a 3pm tip-off, Saturday January 6th. The Wildcats are Ranked No. 9 in the NAIA and sit in a 2-way tie for 2nd in CL Play. 

The last time these two sides met was in January of last season where the Wildcats skimmed by with a 69-61 victory. 

Cougar fans stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.

-USF Athletics-