STEUBENVILLE, Oh.— The Franciscan University men's basketball team played a close game with La Roche College this Wednesday night, maintaining a tight score throughout, but eventually falling 59-48.

The first score on the night went to La Roche, but a three point shot from Baron guard Christian Duke quickly put the team in position to provide solid competition for the Red Hawks. Although the Barons continued to play a close game, tying the score at 12 halfway through the first half and with only a five point deficit at half time, La Roche pulled away near the end of the second half when foul trouble and turnovers caused difficulty for Franciscan.

Nevertheless, head coach John Lamanna had positive things to say about the Barons' offensive and defensive improvement.

"This was the first game that we had a more consistent effort on both ends of the floor and the third game in a row that we've shown signs of solid defense. I'm pleased with that progress. As far as the offense, we were much more patient and we just executed significantly better and that shows in the shots that we were able to get," he said.

Duke was high scorer on the night with 14 points, hitting two shots from behind the three-point line.  He also contributed five rebounds.

"Christian had a very good night. His shot selection was very good," Lamanna said.

Close behind was Daniel Kleinschnitz with 11 points and four rebounds.  Lamanna also noted that sophomore guard Joseph Spears also played a valuable role in the Barons' speed of play and effort.

"I just love his energy, his aggression, and intensity when he plays and it's a huge boost for our team every time he's in the game," Lamanna said.

With nearly half of the Barons' rebounds and two blocks, Joseph Rine continued to play key role in Franciscan post play, but the freshman forward had difficulty with his shot, finishing with total of seven points, which made things tough for Baron offense.

"There seemed to be a lid on the basket," Lamanna said. "Joe had really good looks, and  he just had the ball rattle in and out on him tonight and to his credit he just kept hanging in there and hanging in there and things got a little easier for him in the second half and he had some timely baskets to keep us in it."

Lamanna said the aspect of the game which needs the most attention, however, is turnovers.

"We just continue to have spurts where we have consecutive turnovers and we need to continue to try to tighten up those areas. If we can solve our turnover woes, we'll put ourselves in a much better position," Lamanna said.

Overall, despite the loss, Lamanna viewed the game as just one more step towards reaching the potential of the very young men's basketball program.

"The final result is the final result, but in terms of the development of the program and the direction we're going, we've made good strides moving forward and if we continue to keep taking steps forward then, in terms of the win and loss column, everything will work out as it should," Lamanna said. "Our guys are improving and that's what's important."

The Barons' next game is this Saturday, Jan. 12 at Medaille College with tip-off scheduled for 3 p