Franciscan 71, Waynesburg 76
Franciscan Starters
Sawyer Butler, Josh Zimmerman, Derrick Derrow, Nicholas Allienello, and Yann Yonkeu
How It Happened
Butler and Allienello hit one three-point field goal apiece in the opening minutes to give the Barons a 6-0 lead. A lead that they held for the first 12 minutes of this game. With a little more than seven minutes to play in the first half, Waynebsurg took their first lead at 20-19. A lead that they did not relinquish for the rest of the first half. Josh Zimmerman led the way for the Barons with 13 points in the opening half, which was a great sign to see from the veteran. At the half, the Barons found themselves in a 10-point hole, 37-27.
The Yellow Jackets maintained their lead in the second half and grew it to a 13-point edge with a little more than six minutes to play. It felt as if it was over, but the Barons had different plans. A 17-5 run ensued over the next four minutes to pull the Barons within one with less than two minutes to play. Sawyer Butler then came off a ball screen and buried a three-point field goal to give the Barons the lead 66-64. This was their first lead since 7:32 to play in the opening half. Waynesburg responded with a turnaround jumper to tie it up at 66-66. The Barons had the ball last, but they were unable to get a bucket, so we headed to overtime.
In the overtime period, both teams started off slow, but then the Yellow Jackets made a couple of buckets to take the lead. The opposition went 6-6 from the free throw line during overtime to hold their lead and keep it at a two-possession game. The Barons could not find their rhythm again and dropped 76-71 in a tough-fought PAC battle.
Inside the Numbers
-Josh Zimmerman led the Barons with 21 points and seven steals in 40 minutes of play.
- Butler had 18 points and eight rebounds.
- The Barons won the rebounding battle 45-34.
- Franciscan shot 6-29 (20.7%) from beyond the arc.
- Antone Baker from Waynesburg eclipsed 1,000 points with a team-high 18 points
Up Next
Franciscan returns to home on Saturday to take on the Westminster Titans in the first of two matchups this season. The Barons are 5-9 all-time against the Titans, including a split of last season's series. The Barons won in New Wilmington by a score of 68-56. Sawyer Butler led the way with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Josh Zimmerman also had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds in the convincing victory.
Stay Connected
Be sure to follow Franciscan Athletics on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage.
