UNIVERSITY PARK, Ill. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) men's basketball team improved to 4-0 on the season after earning a 90-88 win over Governors State on Wednesday, November 6. 

The Cougars and Jaguars fought back and forth in a close first half. After GSU tied the game up 23-23 with just under 10 minutes to play in the first half, USF went on an 18-4 run to the 41-27 lead at the 5:3 mark thanks to a three-pointer from senior Zane Burke. The Jaguars would respond with a run of their own, but the Cougars were able to hold onto the 47-43 lead at halftime. 

The back-and-forth action continued, with the two teams tying the score up five more times in the second half. With just 38 seconds left to play in the game, the Jaguars made a layup to knot the score at 88-88. After getting the ball underneath the basket, Branden Northern passed it to Isaiah Malone who made the game-winning basket, putting the Cougars on top 90-88 for their fourth straight win. 

Saint Francis was led by Luke Almodovar with 19 points and Burke with 18 points. Northern added 13 points, while Joe Reidy and D'Amare Hood chipped in 10 points each. Hood also finished the night with a team-high eight assists. Four Cougars had a blocked shot against the Jaguars, including Malone, Almodovar, Northern, and Reidy.

Up next, USF men's basketball (4-0) will compete in the Faith Works Classic hosted by Rochester Christian on November 8-9. The Cougars will play the host Warriors on Friday before facing Cleary University on Saturday. 

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