Franciscan University Barons Athletics

Franciscan 78, John Carroll 94

Franciscan Starters 
Nathan Richards, Sawyer Butler, Zachary Pollaro, Zach Oliver, & Karl Yonkeu

How It Happened 
    The Barons traveled to Bradford, Pa to play in the Pitt-Bradford opening weekend tournament. On Friday, they faced John Carroll University. 
    The Barons took an early lead off high level shooting. They shot the ball over 50% from the field and from 3pt in the first half. Their lead vanished in the second off of scoring droughts caused by the mirror of the first half. In the second half, they shot the ball 25% from the field and only 8% from 3pt. John Carroll was able to slowly build a lead. The Barons lost the lead at the 17' mark in the second half and never regained it. 
    After falling to John Carroll 94-78, the Barons were scheduled to play Houghton University on Saturday.
 

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Franciscan 84, Houghton 72

Franciscan Starters 
Nathan Richards, Sawyer Butler, Zachary Pollaro, Zach Oliver, & Karl Yonkeu

How It Happened 
    For day two of the opening weekend tournament, the Barons took on Houghton University. Led by sophomore Zachary Pollaro, the Barons played a much more familiar game. They shot the ball consistently well shooting over 40% from the field both halves, but relied on their defense to win them the game rather than getting hot behind the arc. The Barons had firm control over the game despite the 0% shooting from 3pt in the first half. Pollaro's consistency this weekend is a great sign for the Barons taking the next step forward this season. Pollaro scored 20 points Friday night and 21 points Saturday night, both were, at the time, career-highs. 
    The Barons begin the year 1-1 and will host Mount Union in their home opener this Wednesday.

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