GREENSBURG, P.a. — The Franciscan University men's basketball team couldn't pull its defense together in a 98-80 loss to conference opponent Pitt. - Greensburg.

The Barons were unable to keep up with Greensburg off the opening tip and were down 34-19 after the first 12 minutes. The team cut the deficit to eight points in the second half but didn't have enough energy to completely close the gap.

"It just gets to be exhausting after you're down by so much and trying to get back in it," head coach John Lamanna said. "We had no other option but to get out and pressure."

The team worked hard to pressure Greensburg throughout the game and forced 17 turnovers and 18 points off turnovers which helped their comeback attempt. An above average offensive night also helped FUS, as the Baron shot above their season averages from the floor, the three point line, and the foul line.

"Our offense was fine the whole game, we executed decently well," Lamanna said. "But our defense just wasn't there tonight."

Proving to be an asset to the Barons on the offensive end of the court was guard Justin Horstman who had a versatile and efficient night with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

"Justin had his best game of the season all around tonight," Lamanna said. "He was active defensively and he scored the ball well."

Also making an impact for the Barons were junior forward Joseph Rine, junior forward Moses Sullivan and sophomore guard Daniel Kleinschnitz. Rine scored 20 points and earned 7 rebounds, Sullivan added 12 points, and Kleinshnitz had 10 points and 3 steals.

The Barons sit in eighth place in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference at 3-9 in conference. The top six AMCC teams make the postseason and Franciscan has six more conference games to make up the difference.

"The season is dwindling down and we have to make a push now," Lamanna said. "There is a sense of urgency if we want to try and compete in the conference tournament."

The Barons continue to pursue the conference tournament when they play on Feb. 1 at D'Youville College at 1p.m.