BRADFORD, Pa. – The Baron's success continued to ride the ebb and flow of its defensive effort in a 73-64 loss to conference foe Pitt - Bradford.

The Franciscan men's defense was in full force in the first half, leading the Barons to a 31-30 lead after the first 20 minutes. The defensive effort set a pace to only allow 60 points against the third highest scoring team in the AMCC.

"We played some of the best defense we've played all season in the first half," head coach John Lamanna said.

The Baron's weren't able to keep that defensive pace going in the second half, however, as a offensive drought led to defensive struggles. Franciscan gave up 43 points in the second half, including 18 off of free throws.

"We missed some open shots and then all the sudden our defense got a lot looser," Lamanna said. "It just puts so much pressure on your defense to have to come through possession after possession."

Despite the offensive cold streak, FUS kept the game within two scores until the final minute. Lamanna said that while in this particular game the free throw attempt differential, 22 for Bradford and only 8 for Franciscan, was the difference, that ultimately his young team simply need to learn how to finish.

"Through the experience of playing in these games, eventually guys will start stepping up and start making a play," Lamanna said. "Then the confidence starts growing and that's what it takes."

Freshman guard Garrison Holmes showed that he has been learning and growing from experience as he played one of his smartest games of the season. While his eight points were far from his highest scoring total, his 4 for 7 shooting demonstrated a more patient and efficient style of play.

"It was probably his best outing in terms of shot selection that he's had all season," Lamanna said. "He did a really good job."

Franciscan's next game comes on the road against conference foe La Roche College on Wednesday, January 15 at 6 pm.