STEUBENVILLE, Ohio—In the last conference game of the season Franciscan University men's basketball had to battle on both ends of the court to stay with the University of Pitt. – Bradford in an 84-62 loss.

The team ends its season with a 6-17 record overall and a 5-13 conference record, their best season as full NCAA members.

In what was a tough game for most of the Baron players it was junior forward Caleb Knorr who stepped up and did his part to keep Franciscan in the game. Knorr, who averages just under eight minutes a game, finished with three blocks, five rebounds and five points along with a series of important hustle plays.

"Caleb's heart and desire were absolutely fantastic," head coach John Lamanna said. "I was so proud of him and how hard he played. He had his best game of the year."

Knorr showed the experience and toughness you'd expect from the most tenured member of the team. In a game where injuries gave the Barons just two bench players, Knorr's 24 minutes came up big.

Also making a difference for the Barons was sophomore guard Derrick David as he continued the momentum from a strong individual performance against Mt. Aloysius. His aggression and ball handling was the biggest offensive spark for FUS.

"Derrick was aggressive with the bounce today and he had 4 assists which was excellent," Lamanna said. "He did a good job of finding the open guy and initiating the offense."

Playing off of David and keeping the offense flowing was consistent performer and the team's leading scorer, junior Moses Sullivan with 19 points in the game.

An injury to freshman guard Garrison Holmes early in the first half brought coach Lamanna's roster options to just seven total players and forced players like Knorr to play more minutes than usual.

"It is what it is, its part of the game, guys get hurt," Lamanna said. "The next man up steps up into the role and takes advantage of his opportunity."

The team has its next and final game of the season with Grove City College scheduled for Friday Feb 28 at 6p.m. However, depending on if Grove City wins their next game, the game with Franciscan might be called off.

"We're moving forward as if the game is definitely on," Lamanna said.