ALTOONA, Pa. - The Franciscan University basketball team lost to Penn St. Altoona 66-59 in a closely contested game on the Lion's home court. The Barons made improvements in their rebounding and ball control, but could not find an answer for an uncharacteristically poor shooting percentage.

"We played hard and confidently," head coach John Lamanna said. "We struggled from the floor tonight. We had wide open shots but we could not get the lid off the basket."

After falling behind early, the Barons dug in their heels with a confident defensive stand that kept the Lions scoreless for a large chunk of time and gave Franciscan a chance to tie the game at 9-9 half way their the first half. The Baron's lost the lead again however, going into the half down 32-25. Franciscan struggled to find consistency on the floor.

"Our rotations were just really slow all night long," Lamanna said. "Some nights will be that way. It was truly unfortunate and it really costs us."

Freshman guard Christian Duke led the way offensively for the Barons, scoring 17 points and grabbing seven rebounds on the night. Fellow freshman Dan Kleinschnitz added 13 points and five rebounds, while big man Joseph Rine added another double-double while earning 10 points and 11 rebounds. Rine, who is currently ranked seventh in the NCAA in blocks per game, added two more blocks against the Lions.

"We really struggled from the three point arc today," Lamanna said. "We had a tough time defending the three point arc as well."

The Barons allowed the Lions to shoot 46 percent from long range, a differential that cost them the game. The Barons scored three more field goals than the Lions with more assists and less turnovers than Penn St.-Altoona.

"Statistically, it was a good game. There are so many other factors that come into play," Lamanna said. "Our timing was a little off. It's a factor when you have such a young team."

The Barons most positive stat differential was their turnovers. They only turned the ball over 11 times, about seven less than their season average.

Despite a bad shooting night, Lamanna said the improved rebounding and ball control show his team is moving in the right direction.

"Things are definitely getting better. We are singling our weaknesses out and becoming stronger as a unit," Lamanna said.

The Barons will test their continued improvements when they travel to Hilbert College on Saturday, Jan. 19, for a 3 p.m. tip-off.