SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Consistent shooting and a big second-half surge bolstered the University of St. Francis men's basketball team's eighth victory of the season with a 76-63 decision over Indiana University South Bend in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference action on Friday evening.  Four Saints produced at least ten points in helping the Fighting Saints register a combined 59.1 percent shooting mark from the field (26-of-44) and a 47.1 percentage from behind the arc (8-of-17).  With the win, St. Francis improves to 8-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.  Earlier this week it was announced that the Saints are currently receiving votes in the latest NAIA poll.

Topping the list was Rahmel Davis, who was near-perfect from the field (6-for-7) as well as from the charity stripe (7-for-8) for a combined 20 points.  Aitor Anabitarte tied a season high with his 18 points courtesy of a 5-for-5 performance from the floor, while Joffrey Nunnally sank four treys on his way to adding 12 points to the USF total.  Merrick Small rounded out the USF scoring leaders with his offensive contribution of 13 points.

After leading by just a four-point margin after the first half (35-31), USF used a 68.2 percent shooting effort (15-of-22) in the second half, including five three-pointers, to outscore the Titans 41-32 after the break and pull away for the 13-point win.

The first five minutes of the second half saw each team trade baskets until a 16-4 scoring burst beginning with a Small layup and capped by back-to-back Nick Niego three-pointers resulted in an 18-point USF advantage (62-44) with nine minutes left to play.  The Saints would ride that wave of momentum to the finish, maintaining a double-digit lead the remainder of the evening to solidify the 76-63 final score.

Along with his game-high 20 points, Davis also accounted for a season-high six assists.  Anabitarte authored eight rebounds in his 26 minutes of action, with Davis, Small and Ben Faatz each pulling down four boards.  As a team, the Saints out-boarded IUSB 29-25.  

Jylen Petty led Indiana South Bend with 17 points, while Nick Mullen registered a game-high 13 rebounds.  With their loss, the Titans dropped to 6-6 overall and 3-2 in the CCAC on the year.

Up Next
USF hits the court again on Sunday, Dec. 15 when it travels to Riverside, Calif. to take on NCAA I University of California-Riverside at the SRC Arena in an exhibition contest starting at 4 pm.

You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.