The No. 22-ranked Raven Men's Basketball team had its season ended Saturday in Wichita.

Benedictine lost 73-65 to the No. 24-ranked University of Saint Francis Cougars in the championship game of the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round presented by Ballogy Wichita Bracket A.

After defeating Central Baptist College on Friday, the Ravens advanced to take on USF on Saturday, with the Cougars earning a bye to the game. Both teams showed why they belonged in the game, with neither team ever leading by more than 8 points.

After trailing by 3 points at halftime, the Ravens were able to tie the game 33-33 early in the second half. However, the Cougars knocked down a 3-pointer to regain the lead. It was a theme that lasted throughout the second half as every time the Ravens made a run, USF was able to answer.

Eric Krus knocked down a 3 with 11:21 to play to tie the game 51-51, then Nysir Scott scored to give the Ravens their first lead since early in the first half. The Cougars had another answer, hitting another trey to move back in front 54-53.

Jaiden Bristol responded for the Ravens. Bristol scored in the paint, then knocked in a 3-pointer from the corner to give the Ravens a 59-55 lead with 6 minutes to play.

With the Ravens leading 63-62 with 4 minutes to play, the Cougars were spurred by Antwaan Cushingberry. The Cougars leading scored in the paint and then hit a free throw to give USF the lead. The Ravens were unable to answer in the closing minutes, losing by 8 points.

The Ravens and Cougars battled through a tight first half. The Ravens held an early 12-5 lead, but the Cougars responded to take a 26-20 lead later in the half. The Ravens rattled off 6-straight points to tie the game, only to have the Cougars drop their sixth 3-pointer of the half to take a 29-26 lead. USF maintained their advantage at halftime, taking a 31-28 lead into the break.

The Ravens shot 37.1% from the field and just 22.2% from deep. The Cougars entered the game with the most 3-pointers in the NAIA and lived up to that reputation in the opening 20 minutes, knocking down 6-of-18 from deep as they shot 38.7% from the field.

For the game, the Ravens shot 37.5% from the field and 27.8% from deep. The Ravens entered the game with the best 3-point shooting percentage in the NAIA at 43%. The Cougars did a solid job of not allowing the Ravens to get many open looks. USF shot 40.6% from the field and 38.7% from long range.

Bristol led the Ravens with 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Jayden Temme added 13 points and Matt Austin had 10 points. Eric Krus grabbed 10 rebounds for the Ravens and chipped in 6 points.

The Cougars advance to Kansas City, Mo., to continue play in the NAIA National Tournament. The Ravens close out the season with a record of 21-7.