DAVENPORT, Iowa -- University of St. Francis led at the intermission but could not keep the momentum in the second half as Grace College (IN) came back to post a 65-56 victory over the Saints in the opening game of the Pepsi Challenge at St. Ambrose University Friday night.

The Saints (1-4) held a 26-24 lead at halftime but were outscored 41-30 in the second half by the Lancers (2-1).  The game was close throughout the second period, with Grace leading most of the way but never extending the margin to double digits. USF got as close as two points at 45-43 with 6:50 left but could not even the score or challenge for the lead. The Saints cut the lead to just five points on two occasions in the final minute of play but Grace responded each time by making a pair of free throws to extend the lead back to a comfortable seven-point margin.

USF placed two scorers in double figures with junior forward Justin Richmond (Highland CC/Waukegan, IL) notching 13 points and sophomore center Bruce Watson (Schoolcraft College/Detroit, MI) adding 12. Sophomore guard Derek Ciezczak (Stagg H.S./Hickory Hills, IL) contributed 9 points and junior forward Greg Leavell (Schoolcraft College/Farmington Hills, MI) pitched in with 8.

Watson led the Saints with 8 rebounds and sophomore forward Lukas Zebrauskas (Stagg H.S./Palos Heights, IL) came off the bench to add 7 boards.

The Saints complete the weekend tournament on Saturday with a 1 p.m. tipoff against Missouri Valley College. MVC (2-1) opened tourney play on Friday night with an impressive 70-52 win over host St. Ambrose.