Joliet, Ill. – A lay-up by Goshen College (Ind.) with two seconds left in regulation proved to be the difference as Saint Xavier University men's basketball (9-4, 4-1 CCAC) lost 94-93 to the Maple Leafs on the second day of the University of St. Francis (Ill.) New Year's Classic Tuesday afternoon at the Sullivan Center in Joliet, Ill. was one of six Cougars to score in double-figures and all 12 players that saw action scored at least two points, finishing with a career-high 27 points on 9-for-14 shooting while also making seven of his eight foul shots. He added a team-high seven rebounds, an assist and a block in the comeback victory. Junior guard Deontrae Warren (Champaign, Ill./Daley/Olive Harvey/Champaign Centennial) led the Cougars with a season-high 17 points on 5-for-5 shooting, including four made three-pointers, while adding a pair of rebounds and a steal in the setback.

SXU held a 48-44 lead at halftime after forcing 13 turnovers and coming away with 10 steals. Saint Xavier built its largest advantage, 57-46, after senior guard Jordan Jackson (Grand Rapids, Mich./Northwood/Wilmington/East Kentwood) knocked down a three just over two minutes into the second half. Goshen chipped away and took a 76-75 lead at the 8:24 mark, and they maintained their lead until Warren nailed a three-pointer to put the Cougars back up 87-85 with 2:25 left. The lead traded hands multiple times down the stretch, and Warren would convert an 'Old-Fashioned' three-point play to give SXU a 93-92 lead with :19 to go, however the Maple Leafs recorded the game-winning shot on the ensuing possession.

• Jackson finished the game with 13 points, along with three assists, three rebounds and three steals.
• Fifth-year senior guard Julian Barr (Tinley Park, Ill./Lincoln Land/Lincoln-Way East) tallied 12 points, four rebounds (three offensive) and a steal.
• Junior forward Davion Lawrence (Oak Lawn, Ill./Moraine Valley/Oak Lawn Community) posted 11 points, a team-high five rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal.
• Junior guard Mekhi Wilson (Covington, Ky./Iowa Central/Covington Catholic) registered eight points, four rebounds, a season-best four steals and a pair of assists.
• Senior guard Sando Hill (Vanoss, Okla./Lyon/Seminole State/Vanoss) also collected eight points, along with three assists, a rebound and a steal.
• Junior guard Ashton Atwater (Kalamazoo, Mich./Kalamazoo Valley/Ostego) chipped in six points, four assists, two steals and a rebound.

Saint Xavier (9-4, 4-1 CCAC) returns to Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) action when they travel to La Crosse, Wis. to play Viterbo University (Wis.) on Saturday, January 4. The game is set for a 3:00 pm start.