Playing perhaps its toughest opponent of the early season, a team entering the game on a 10-game winning streak, St. Ambrose stayed close but couldn't do enough down the stretch in a 70-64 home loss to Iowa Wesleyan Tuesday night.

The Bees trailed the Tigers, who are receiving votes in the most recent NAIA top-25 poll, by as many as 16 points in the opening minutes of the second half. A jumper from Grant Mason, a 3-pointer from Ignacio Dacunda and two Dacunda free throws cut the deficit to single digits at 52-43 with just under 14 minutes remaining. SAU remained within striking distance the rest of the way.

St. Ambrose closed to within three at 57-54 following an Amarey Wills jumper and again at 59-56 on a Wills layup with five minutes to play. But Iowa Wesleyan (12-1) responded immediately with a 3-pointer to regain a six-point cushion.

Trailing 64-59 after a Kieran Farrell free throw with 3:21 left, the Bees hit a dry spell, going scoreless over the next three minutes. SAU missed six straight shots from the floor and committed a turnover during the stretch. The Tigers weren't totally able to capitalize, knocking down just two free throws, but after Mason scored inside to end the drought, the Bees trailed 66-61 with 19 seconds to go. Iowa Wesleyan knocked down four free throws from there to seal the win.

St. Ambrose shot just 37.5 percent from the floor but was able to stay close thanks to a 42-31 advantage on the boards. That led to a 17-4 edge in second-chance points.

Wills led the Bees with 17 points. He was 7-of-12 from the floor and grabbed five rebounds. Andrew Morrissey finished with 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Thirteen of his boards came in the second half helping spur the comeback. Morrissey also led all players with four steals.

Mason scored nine points, Dacunda and Max Steiner each came off the bench to contribute eight points, and Farrell and Jayven Jones netted five apiece.

St. Ambrose, now 2-6 overall, returns to CCAC play Saturday with a game at Governors State.