JOLIET, Ill. -- Delshawn Simms and Shir Moraidi both authored career-best marks enabling the University of St. Francis men's basketball team to stave off Saint Xavier University in a 96-84 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory on Wednesday night at the Sullivan Center.  Simms registered a team-high 22 points, while Moraidi was close behind with 19 markers as the pair combined for 11 of USF's season-high 16 three-pointers.

The win gave the Saints (14-2) their eighth league victory of the 2024-25 campaign against only one loss and vaulted them into sole possession of first place in the league standings.  Saint Xavier fell to 12-5 overall, while dropping to 7-2 in league play. 

After jumping out to a quick 8-2 lead to start the game, the first half saw six lead changes and three tie scores before St. Francis captured the advantage for good.  With six minutes remaining in the opening half, a Rahmel Davis free throw pushed the Saints in front 31-30.   USF would go on to score 18 of the next 27 points to take a 49-39 lead and head coach Ryan Marks' club matched that 10-point scoring margin at 52-42 going into the intermission.

Saint Xavier, however, would not throw in the towel.  The Cougars put their offense in high gear to start the second half, connecting for three straight three-pointers on their first three possessions before a breakaway dunk from Merrick Small thrust the energy back in USF's favor.  Following the dunk, Simms would deliver three treys over the Saints' next five possessions to push the hosts ahead by 13 points (69-56).  USF would eventually expand its advantage to as high as 18 points over the Cougars, who would never get the deficit under 10 points the rest of the evening.

USF finished the night shooting 68.8 percent from the field (33-of-48), aided by a three-point shooting clip of 66.7 percent (16-of-24).  The Saints were also 14-of-21 at the foul line (66.7 percent), while Saint Xavier was just 14-for-27 (51.9 percent).  For the game, the Cougars shot 45.2 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from beyond the arc (14-of-33).  The Saints were also able to control the game by holding a 37-25 rebounding advantage.

Davis joined Simms and Moraidi in producing double-digit numbers with his 17 points, while Ben Faatz accounted for a game-high 10 rebounds.  Sean Richardson totaled nine points in 14 minutes, going 3-for-3 from downtown and Joffrey Nunnally netted eight points courtesy of two three-pointers and a layup.

Four of USF's five starters produced perfect showings from the floor.  Simms and Davis each authored 6-for-6 nights, while Nunnally and Small were 3-for-3 each.  Simms lead all players with his six three-pointers, while Moraidi was second in line with five.

Davion Lawrence totaled 20 points for Saint Xavier with Deontrae Warren adding 17 of his own.

Winners of seven straight games and a perfect 8-0 at home, the Saints were among others receiving votes in the latest NAIA Coaches' Poll, which came out earlier on Wednesday.

Up Next
St. Francis will take the court again on Saturday when they travel to Davenport, Iowa to face St. Ambrose University in another CCAC matchup.  Tip-off is 3 pm.          

You can keep up with all things USF on X @USFSaints.