JOLIET, Ill.-Â The Indiana University South Bend Titans (12-9, 9-4 CCAC) defeated the first place University of Saint Francis Fighting Saints (17-3, 11-2 CCAC) by a final score of 68-60 to extend their CCAC winning streak to three straight games.
A hot IU South Bend offense came out of the gates firing in the first half, scoring the first eight points of the game and jumping out to as much as a 15 point lead at 20-5.
Saint Francis managed to shorten their deficit to just seven points at 23-16 before the Titans closed out the first half on a 7-4 run to get their lead to 10 points at 30-20 heading into halftime.
IU South Bend and Saint Francis traded baskets throughout most of the first half until two made Saint Francis field goals cut their lead to just six points with six minutes remaining in the game.
The Saints cut their deficit to just four points before IUSB closed out the game on a 9-5 run to put the game on ice, defeating first place Saint Francis by a final score of 68-60.
A balanced IU South Bend offense featured four players to score in double figures, led by senior guard Quentez Columbus who finished with a season high 20 points.
Columbus’ season high 20 points came on an efficient shooting night, shooting nearly 60% from the field while also adding three assists and four steals.
The next Titan to record double figures was senior forward Jylen Petty who finished with 13 points.
Petty’s 13 points came thanks to three made triples while also adding four steals to his stat line.
Another Titan to score double digits was junior forward Nick Mullen who finished with 11 points.
Mullen’s 11 points came on 50% shooting from the field while also collecting 10 rebounds, good for his team leading 9th double-double of the season.
The last Titan to reach double figures was guard Kyle Millender who finished with 10 points.
Millender’s 10 points also came on 50% shooting from the field while dishing out a team high five assists for the fifth time this season.
The Indiana University South Bend Titans return to action on Saturday, February 1st, when they take on the Governors State University Jaguars at 4:00 PM ET in University Park, Ill.