BUFFALO, NY - The Franciscan University Barons basketball lost to the Medaille College Mavericks 56-82. It was a tough pill to swallow for the Barons who displayed an efficient offensive attack and a strong defense. However, turnovers proved to be the difference in the game, as the Barons could not overcome their 21 turnovers to put the Mavericks away.

The Barons played tough during the first half as they went into the break down only 24-29. FUS came out of the gate playing well in the second half, holding the Mavericks scoreless for the first two minutes. The tides changed for the Barons at the 16 minute mark of the second half as they fell into a lapse and couldn't keep up with the Medaille.

"Regardless of the score, we played a lot of good basketball today," head coach John Lamanna said. "We are not regressing as the season plays out. We are making great strides forward in our progress. I was very proud of them."

Franciscan displayed an efficient offense, shooting 45 percent from the field and totalling 11 assists. Freshman Daniel Kleinschnitz was the top scorer for the Barons with 13 points and also lead the team with four assists.

"We are very capable of scoring," Lamanna said. "We were executing well offensively. It's just a matter of getting shots. With this young team, every situation is new to us as a unit. We really came together today offensively and we are going to continue to gain experience. I love the direction this team is going."

Big man Joseph Rine, who is currently ranked seventh in NCAA Division III in blocks per game, added three more for himself against the Mavericks. He also collected a team high nine rebounds.

"His skill set allows him to have a lot of blocks. He has phenomenal timing," Lamanna said. "He's becoming a huge presence down there. You can't coach that kind of focus and talent."

The Barons lost their edge to the Mavericks by giving up 26 second chance points and 28 points in transition.

"Those stats are what we've been focusing on all season," Lamanna said. "That is our point differential right there. We need to find more success in those categories. As a unit, we are finally getting that experience to route those mishaps."

The Barons will look to fix their mistakes and take their improving play when they travel to Penn State Altoona to battle the Lions on Jan 17.