Franciscan 56, Geneva 81
Franciscan Starters
Josh Zimmerman, Sawyer Butler, Karl Yonkeu, Nicholas Allienello, Derrick Derrow
How It Happened
The Barons hosted one of the best collegiate offenses in the Geneva Golden Tornadoes. Going into the game the tornadoes were in the top 2% of offensive efficiency in the country at all levels, and 1st in Div III and 2nd in all Divisions in 3pt%. The Barons plan was to use their defense and size to stifle the tornado scorers. Earlier in the year in Beaver, the Barons held this offense to seven points in the first 10 minutes of the game. The size and athleticism is something the tornadoes don't have. However, that elite level of performance was not in the the players wheel house last night. The tornadoes shot 52.7% from the field and 40% from 3pt. Franciscan is one of the best rebounding teams in the conference especially in offensive rebounds, but only seven offensive rebounds is significantly below their season average.
College basketball is full of ups and downs. It's the downs that shape and build men. Last night was a disheartening and deflating experience, but an opportunity to learn and grow.
The lone bright spot on the evening was the team and fan favorite Reese Miller taking the floor for the last four minutes. He scored a career-high 9 points off 3-4 shooting. His one miss was a left corner three that if it fell would have made Reese the Barons leading scorer on the night.
Inside the Numbers
-Butler led the Barons in scoring with 11
-Colin Killian scored their first collegiate points
-the Barons were out-rebounded 24-39
Up Next
Franciscan will hit the road this Saturday as they travel to Pittsburgh to take on Chatham. The Barons have dropped their last four games against the Cougars, as they look to snap that skid this weekend. Back in December, the Cougars beat the Barons in Steubenville by a score of 86-62. Chatham had a balanced offensive attack with five players scoring in double figures and 10 three point field goals made as a team.
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