STEUBENVILLE, Oh.— Despite a strong first half performance, Franciscan University's men's basketball team suffered a frustrating loss to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg tonight with a final score of 66-54.

The Barons came out on fire, starting the night with several offensive plays that put them seven points ahead of Greensburg for the first half, the biggest lead the team has had since making roster adjustments over winter break.

Pitt-Greensburg retaliated in the second half, however, with a 66.7 three-point percentage and a 64.3 field goal percentage, which combined with the Barons turnover woes to tie the score at 31-31 just a few minutes into the second half and resulted in a lead to Greensburg just minutes later.

 In spite of increased offensive effort, the Barons were unable to make up lost ground, particularly when usual scoring threat Christian Duke fouled out.

“[Pitt-Greensburg] came out more aggressive than us in the second half and they set the tempo of the game. We just could not respond to that the rest of the time,” head coach John Lamanna said, adding that the team played just a step slower defensively after the half.

Offensively, Lamanna said the Barons executed very well in both halves.

“Our shot selection was solid and when we had the ball we made good decisions with it. We just don't have the maturity yet to be honest, so the part that's exciting is we're a young team and we're playing with all these senior-laden, experienced teams.”

Power forward Joseph Rine, as high scorer on the night, played his fourth consecutive double-double game, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks. Second in points was guard Daniel Kleinschnitz with 13.

Lamanna noted their consistent improvement, adding that another player who particularly stood out as an all-around positive force was point-guard Derrick David who contributed seven assists, six steals, five rebounds, and four points.

“Derrick controls the game very well,” Lamanna said, “he played well and I was really pleased.”

Overall, Lammanna said the final score comes down to experience.

“With this group this is the first time we've led this season and that's very encouraging.”

With this positive mindset, the team will refocus its efforts in anticipation of the next game, this Saturday, January 26^th against D'Youville. Tip-off is scheduled for 3pm.