By 
By: Neil King
Staff Writer
There were no lead changes in a rough loss as visiting St. Francis outscored the IUSB men’s basketball team 52-26 in the first half in what would be a 17-point loss by the Titans on Monday, Jan. 20.
Home court advantage meant little as the IUSB squad fell behind 8-20 just some seven minutes into the game. Early on the Titans switched to a full court press defense to try and regain some traction against their divisional opponents with little to show for their efforts in the first half.
The Titans came out hesitant to put up open shots and managed a cold 34.6% from the field during the first half while St. Francis enjoyed a relative heat wave from behind the arc, knocking back six of eight three-point shots and 61.8% from the field.
St. Francis also outrebounded IUSB 20-10 in the first half with 16 of those rebounds coming on defense to leave the Titans with no 2nd chance points scored for the period.
After making some half-time adjustments the Titans came back in the second half. From the opening possession, a three-pointer by Brandon Beam, the men fought their way back into the game.
Despite outrebounding the Fighting Saints 18-7 in the second half and outscoring the visitors 37-28 the game never really felt in reach.
Both Mark White and Jason Jordan had some nice drives to the rim. White and Jordan split top-scoring honors with Beacher Ward, with each player scoring 10 points. White also led the team with four assists.
