FORT WAYNE, Ind. --- A much better shooting day enabled the University of St. Francis women's basketball team to come away with a split of its two decisions at the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Catholic Classic by holding off the hosts 68-65 on Saturday.

The Saints (3-1) built a 31-19 lead through the first 20 minutes of the contest and used that to stave off Saint Francis. USF shot 50 percent (12-of-24) during that span of time opposite the Cougars' 8 of 22 mark (.364). Head coach John McGinty's club also shot well down the stretch with eight baskets in 12 attempts and five of six free throws in the final stanza.

A 25-point third quarter enabled Saint Francis (Ind.) to get back into the game, making it a two-point game (46-44) after three quarters. But, after taking the lead with 1:34 remaining in the opening quarter, the Saints never gave it up despite the Cougars pulling to within a basket four times in the closing quarter. A brief 7-0 run in the fourth quarter provided just enough distance between the Saints and Saint Francis (Ind.).

For the game, USF shot 52 percent from the field (26-for-52), while Saint Francis (Ind.) was 25-of-52 (.481), but only 5-of-28 from three-point range. The Saints were 5-of-10 beyond the arc and 11-of-12 on free throws. Saint Francis (Ind.) was 10-of-16 at the line.

Andriana Acosta had another huge game for the Saints with her team-high 23 points. That offset 24 points by the hosts' Cassidy Crawford, who missed a three-pointer at the buzzer that would have forced overtime.

Also contributing to USF's scoring effort were Justene Charlesworth and Jordan Pyle, each of whom delivered 13 points.

Up Next
The Saints return to Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play facing Calumet College of St. Joseph on Wednesday (5 pm) in Whiting, Ind.

Live coverage can be found at gofightingsaints.com/coverage. You can also keep up with all things USF on Twitter @USFSaints.