St. Ambrose played one of its best all-around games of the season against arguably the best opponent the Bees have faced this year. But SAU just wasn't able to knock down enough shots in a 75-66 home loss to Saint Xavier Wednesday.

The Bees out-rebounded the Cougars 49-30, leading to a 20-2 discrepancy in second-chance points. SAU also hit twice as many 3-pointers (eight to four) and outscored SXU 16-15 from the line. St. Ambrose was able to attempt 11 more field goals than Saint Xavier, but thanks to shooting at a 30.9-percent clip, SAU was just 21-of-68 from the floor while SXU was 28-of-57, good for 49.1 percent.

The biggest dry spell came late. 

Trailing just 51-50 after an Austin Born layup midway through the second half, the Bees would make just one field goal over the next nine-and-a-half minutes. That included a stretch of 10 straight misses following an Ignacio Dacunda layup that had SAU to within 56-52.

St. Ambrose (3-16, 2-13 CCAC) was able to stay within striking distance thanks to a strong defensive effort and free throws from Will Spriggs, Kieran Farrell and Andrew Morrissey. Spriggs finally ended the drought from the floor, scoring inside to trim the deficit to 72-64 with 47 seconds remaining. But Saint Xavier (19-5, 13-3 CCAC) converted 3-of-4 late free throws to hold on.

Spriggs came off the bench to lead SAU with 14 points. Grant Mason was the only other Bee to hit double digits as he dropped in 11. 

Morrissey finished with nine points and a game-high 17 rebounds. Farrell and Jake Friel each scored eight points and Born added six. Dacunda scored four points and Nathan Moeller and Nikola Zelenovic each netted three.

St. Ambrose will host Judson Saturday.