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Joliet, Ill. - The 42-game winning streak against NAIA opponents came to an end for the Lewis University men's basketball team, as St. Francis (Ill.) earned the 75-55 non-conference victory over the visiting Flyers at the Pat Sullivan Center on Saturday (Jan. 2) afternoon. St. Francis is ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Division II Men's Basketball Coaches Poll.

The last time that the Flyers lost to a NAIA opponent was on December 30, 2000 as Olivet Nazarene beat Lewis, 70-66. It is also the first victory for the Fighting Saints over the Flyers since November 18, 1998 as USF won that match-up 62-59.

USF senior forward Ilya Ilyayev posted a double-double with game-highs of 24 points and 17 rebounds, while junior guard Jo Jo Ballestero added 22 points off of the bench. Both players connected for four three-pointers on the afternoon.

"We just didn't play or coach well in any facet of the game today," Lewis head men's basketball coach Scott Trost said. "Give (St. Francis) credit, because they played with more purpose and toughness.

"They were the better team today."

With the victory, St. Francis (Ill.) improves to 13-1 overall, while the Flyers fall to 9-3.

Lewis senior center Kyle Nelson (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) topped the Flyers with 14 points and seven rebounds, while junior guard Miles Simelton (Oswego, Ill./Oswego) came off the bench to score 10.

As a team, Lewis shot a season-low 33.9% (20-for-59) from the field and 12.5% (2-for-16) from three-point range.  Lewis' leading scorer Max Strus (Hickory Hills, Ill./Stagg), who entered the game averaging 25.1 points-per-game, was held to a season-low nine points on 2-for-14 shooting.

Lewis returns to action on Thursday (Jan. 7), as the Flyers welcome Drury to Neil Carey Arena for a 7:30 PM tip-off.