TAYLOR, Ind. (Interstat) — In a high-octane offensive showcase, the Taylor Trojans outlasted the St. Francis (Ind.) Fighting Saints 93-83 in a men’s NAIA basketball game Wednesday night.

The contest was defined by blistering shooting and minimal defensive stops, with both teams combining for 176 points. The outcome was largely decided by Taylor’s remarkable efficiency from beyond the arc and its ability to maintain a slim but persistent lead throughout the night.

The most critical phase of the game came late in the second quarter. After St. Francis closed to within 81-79 on a Jevon Lewis layup with 4:37 remaining, Taylor responded with a decisive 12-2 run to seal the victory. The surge was fueled by the Trojans’ primary weapon: the three-point shot. Izaiah Day and Nate Paarlberg each connected from deep during the stretch, with Paarlberg’s triple with 21 seconds left providing the final margin. The Fighting Saints, who had battled to stay within single digits for much of the half, could not answer the final barrage.

Taylor’s offensive performance was historically efficient. The Trojans shot 57.1% from the field and a scorching 51.9% from three-point range, making 14 of 27 attempts. That perimeter accuracy offset a significant disadvantage in ball security, as Taylor committed 14 turnovers to just eight for St. Francis. The Trojans also dominated the glass, outrebounding the Fighting Saints 36-26.

St. Francis was efficient in its own right, shooting 50% from the field and 78.9% from the free-throw line. However, the Fighting Saints managed only 6-of-21 shooting from three-point territory, a stark contrast to Taylor’s proficiency.

Pete Combs led Taylor with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, showcasing a versatile performance that topped his recent outings. Izaiah Day matched Combs with 25 points, while Nate Paarlberg added 14 points, all crucial to the victory.

For St. Francis, Karson Rogers posted a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Jevon Lewis contributed 17 points and nine assists, and Marr Avance added 15 points.

The win improved Taylor’s season record to 16-7, while St. Francis fell to 8-14. The Trojans avenged a loss from earlier in the season, having defeated the Fighting Saints 84-72 on Jan. 7.

Taylor will next host Huntington on Saturday. St. Francis returns home to face Marian on the same day.