GREENSBURG, Pa - The Franciscan University basketball team continued to battle inconsistency and inexperience against the University of Pitt.-Greensburg Bobcats, losing 85-75.

The young Baron team put up strong offensive numbers, earning their highest season score in their first seven games. Defensively, the Barons struggled to pressure the Bobcats allowing 46 points in the paint, and 23 points off turnovers.

"We need to stay consistent offensively, and get our defense going," head coach, John Lamanna said. "It's a process to play a complete game."

Despite the loss, the Barons can walk away from the game with some positive offensive performances. Freshman guard Tim Shenk scored 21 of the Barons 75 points, including five three pointers. Fellow freshman Justin Horstman led the team with 24 points, while sophomore Joseph Rine notched a double double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

The point total may have been encouraging for FUS but their transition defense proved to be their biggest hole.

"We weren't really great on our transition defense," Lamanna said. "Scoring 75 points is more than enough. It's just disappointing to come up on the wrong side when we put up so much effort."

Lamanna said his young team still requires growth through more experience playing together and that as they grow in practice they'll grow on the stat sheet.

"That's what happens when you're learning to play together as a team," Lamanna said. "We're getting there slowly but surely. It's a process."

The Barons look to bounce back on the road against their AMCC rival, D'Youville College on December, 8 at 3 pm.