CRESSON, Pa.—Starting the season on a five game losing skid, the Franciscan University Baron basketball team broke into the win column Thursday night against Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference foe Mt. Aloysius College. The Barons shot 62% from the field en route to their 94-89 victory over the Mounties.

Franciscan took control of the game in the first half with the help of 14 points from Connor Flanagan and good contribution off of the bench. "We got valuable minutes from our bench tonight," head coach Sean Donovan said, "especially from Frank Murray, Dan Kroening, Bobby Erickson, and Shane Crump."

The Mounties ran a fast-paced offense and looked to get quick shots early in possessions. Donovan noted that it was important to control the tempo of the game early: "We had to slow them down and we took good, high-percentage shots—a lot of lay-ups."

The Barons led by seven at the break, but the Mounties came back to take the lead by as much as seven points in the second half. Nate Stanton, who played limited minutes because of an injury, came back in for the game's final eight minutes due to Flanagan's foul trouble. Stanton quickly tallied 12 points to help seal the win.

Donovan also noted the play of point guard Thomas Kleinschnitz who held the game high of 24 points, and added six assists, five rebounds and two steals on the night. "Thomas played outstanding," said Donovan.

Along with Kleinschnitz, Flanagan, and Stanton, Zachary Miser had a big offensive game for the Barons as well, contributing 17 points on the night.

"I'm really proud of the effort tonight," Donovan added, "but now we've got Medaille to look forward too. They're a different team."

With the win, the Barons improve to 1-5 overall and are now 1-1 in conference play. Franciscan hosts Medaille College on Saturday, December 11, at 7 p.m.