FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Interstat) — The Taylor men’s basketball team delivered a statement victory on the road Wednesday night, overcoming a significant statistical projection to defeat St. Francis (Ind.) 84-72 in a high-octane NAIA contest at Hutzell Athletic Center.

The most important part of the game was Taylor’s immediate and sustained offensive efficiency, which allowed them to build a lead they would never relinquish. Despite being projected by Interstat’s ELO system to have only a 35.9 percent chance of victory, the Trojans seized control from the opening tip. They weathered an early scoring burst from the Fighting Saints and methodically built a double-digit advantage in the first half, a cushion that proved critical in stabilizing them against St. Francis’s persistent attempts to rally.

Taylor improved to 11-3 overall with the win, while St. Francis fell to 5-8.

The game’s tempo was frenetic from the outset, with both teams trading baskets in a first quarter that ended with Taylor holding a narrow 41-39 lead. The Trojans, however, began to create separation in the second quarter. A key sequence saw Nate Paarlberg hit a 3-pointer, followed by consecutive layups from Pete Combs and Paarlberg again, stretching the lead. Taylor’s defense then tightened, holding St. Francis to 33 points in the second quarter while adding 43 of their own to take a commanding 84-72 lead into halftime. The second half was a defensive stalemate, with neither team scoring in the third or fourth quarters, securing the final margin.

Paarlberg, named Taylor’s top star, recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in 33 minutes of action, continuing his strong play after a 21-point performance in his previous game. He was one of four Trojans to score in double figures. Izaiah Day led all Taylor scorers with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Combs provided a versatile line of 17 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists.

St. Francis was led by a monumental performance from Karson Rogers, who posted a game-high 23 points and hauled in 14 rebounds. Jevon Lewis added 14 points and 4 assists, while Marr Avance contributed 12 points.

The victory extends Taylor’s winning streak to three games as they prepare for a Crossroads League matchup at Huntington on Saturday. St. Francis looks to rebound on the same day when they travel to face Marian. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Upland on Feb. 11.