JOLIET, Ill. --- EJ Charles scored a career-high 21 points on a personal-best five three-pointers and Aitor Anabitarte registered his tenth double-double of the season as the University of St. Francis men's basketball team ran its winning streak to a season-high four games with its 73-61 victory over St. Ambrose University in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play on Wednesday night at the Sullivan Center. 

Charles delivered his five treys in six attempts, which also set a team high for the season.  Anabitarte provided 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Darius Wright contributed another 12 points and three steals.

St. Ambrose (4-20, 3-16 CCAC) also had three players score in double figures led by Andrew Morrissey's 15 points and nine rebounds.

The first half was tight throughout with neither team holding more than a seven-point advantage.  The Saints took a 34-31 lead into the break before opening up a comfortable cushion early in the second half.

Tied at 34-all, USF (15-10, 13-6) went on a 14-3 run sparked by a pair of Charles three-pointers to give the hosts their biggest lead of the night at 48-37 with 15:12 remaining in the contest.  With the exception of the lead dipping to eight points twice, head coach Ryan Marks' club held a double-figure lead for the remainder of the contest.

Aiding the effort was the Saints' 10-of-21 shooting effort (.476) after the intermission, while St. Ambrose converted at just a .286 clip (8-of-28) in the second half.    

Notes: Anabitarte's 13 rebounds were the second-most of his career … The Saints hit five of their eight three-point attempts in the second half with Charles going 3-for-3 … With the win, USF got back to the .500 mark at home (8-8) … The Saints also locked up the No. 5 seed in next week's CCAC Tournament with the victory … St. Francis closes out the regular season on the road Saturday, where it is 7-2.  The Saints will be seeking revenge for a 94-91 double-overtime setback to Indiana University Northwest back on Dec. 3.  

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