JOLIET, Ill. -- The Lewis University men's basketball team defeated the University of St. Francis (Ill.), in a non-conference matchup, 84-71, Wednesday (Jan. 25). 

LEWIS LEADERS
Points: Vlado Zrnic (Greendale, Wis./Don Bosco Prep) (16), Colin Kenney (Michigan City, Ind./Furman) (15), Beau Frericks (Cary, Ill./Cary Grove) (13), Jamere Hill (Joliet, Ill./Toledo) (13)
Rebounds: Zrnic (9)
Assists: Hill (6)
Steals: Three tied (1)
Blocks: Vanderheydt (1)

RECORDS
Lewis 8-11 | St. Francis (Ill.) 10-9

SUMMARY
USF jumped out to an early 9-2 lead in the first four minutes before Lewis responded with a 10-4 run to cut the deficit down to one (13-12) with 12:36 to play.

The Fighting Saints had the ensuing basket then the Flyers scored nine straight which made it 23-15 with 8:18 left before the break. USF looked to come back and cut it down to five but Anthony Sayles Jr. (Evanston, Ill./Norte Dame Prep) made a three and Hill made a basket to extend it out to 10 (30-20). 

Lewis would respond every time USF tried to draw close after Vanderheydt hit a basket then Zrnic converted a three-point play after making a dunk which made it 37-25 with under four to play in the half.

USF was able to cut it down to nine points (41-32) at the halftime break. 

The Flyers held onto a big lead for most of the start of the second half before USF looked to make a comeback and cut it down to six (54-48) with under 11 minutes to go before Frericks made a three-pointer. 

Moments later, Kenney and Frericks made three-pointers to extend the Lewis lead out to 15 (69-54) with seven minutes left in the game. 

The Fighting Saints cut it back down to five points twice under three and two minutes but the Flyers held them off. Lewis was able to make some clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the 84-71 victory. 

UP NEXT
Lewis will be back in action Saturday, January 28 as the Flyers host GLVC leader University of Indianapolis for Alumni Day and the Academy of Coaches Ceremony starting at 3 p.m. CT.