XENIA, Ohio — The St. Thomas University Bobcats men's basketball team earned a convincing 67–53 victory over the University of St. Francis (Ill.) Fighting Saints on the road, pulling away in the second half to secure the win in Xenia, Ohio.

St. Thomas used a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive effort to take control after halftime, shooting 58.3 percent from the field in the second half and limiting St. Francis to just 30.2 percent shooting for the game. The Bobcats never trailed after taking the lead early in the contest and built their advantage to as many as 17 points midway through the second half.

Adrian Cruz led all scorers with a game-high 25 points, knocking down 9-of-20 shots from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc while playing 39 minutes. Esteban Lluberes added 16 points and was efficient from three-point range, connecting on 4-of-7 attempts, while also recording four steals.

Kaleb Myers chipped in 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds, helping the Bobcats compete inside, while Colin Nutter posted a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds. Joshua Thrower provided a spark off the bench with six points and eight rebounds.

St. Francis was led by Brady Cooper, who finished with 17 points, including a 9-of-11 performance from the free-throw line. Delshawn Simms added 13 points on four made three-pointers, and Damarcies Moore grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for the Fighting Saints.

St. Thomas shot 42.1 percent from the field and an impressive 45.0 percent from three-point range, while also forcing St. Francis into 11 turnovers that turned into 19 points. The Bobcats' defensive pressure and improved shooting after halftime proved to be the difference as they closed out the road win.

The Bobcats will look to build on the momentum from the victory as they await their opponent for tomorrow afternoon.