USF Opens New Year With Upset Win Over No. 22 IWU

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) opened the new year with an 80-77 upset win over the No. 22 Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats on Saturday, January 4. 

After Indiana Wesleyan took a 10-point lead at the 11:39 mark of the first half, the Cougars responded with a 12-5 run, cutting IWU's lead to 28-25 with 6:22 remaining. However, the Wildcats managed to maintain their lead and narrowly outscored the Cougars 40-36 in the first half, ending with a four-point advantage at halftime.

Branden Northern made two free throws to tie the score at 60-60 with just under nine minutes left in the second half. The Cougars and Wildcats continued to battle back and forth, and with the score tied again at the 2:51 mark, senior Zane Burke made a three-point shot to give the lead back to USF. The hard-fought contest carried on, but a series of layups and free throws allowed Saint Francis to maintain their lead as the Cougars improved to 4-1 in Crossroads League play with the 80-77 upset win.

As a team, USF shot 53.2% (25-47) from the field and 50% (7-14) from three-point range. Isaiah Malone led the Cougars with a season-high 27 points. The sophomore forward also recorded two blocks and four rebounds. Luke Almodovar and Robert Fry II added 13 points each, while Joe Reidy picked up his second double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Branden Northern dished out a team-high seven assists and scored seven points on Saturday afternoon. 

Up next, USF men's basketball (11-4, 4-1) will host Mount Vernon Nazarene on Wednesday, January 8. 

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