#3 Franciscan 65, #1 Washington & Jefferson  75

Franciscan Starters 
Sawyer Butler, Karl Yonkeu, Zachary Pollaro, Malachi Rose-Burton, and Zach Oliver 

How It Happened 
    It has been a magical run for the Barons this season. With statement making wins against PAC opponents and rising above difficult non-conference opponents the Barons entered the PAC semifinals for the first time as the co-regular season champs. They were faced up against the team they shared the title with, the W&J Presidents. 
    When the Barons entered the PAC in 2020, Coach Wallace brought in a small guard heavy team, and with them a play style so disruptive that the following year the President's embraced the system and took it as their own. Now six years later, Coach Wallace has evolved his system to fit his team while the Presidents have stuck with the full court pressure style.
    The Presidents full-court pressure becomes game-warping. Strategies from both sides become predicated on the success or failure of the press. The Barons came out of the gate looking comfortable and confident. They took a small early lead and handled the pressure well. From minutes five through fifteen in the first half, the press gave the Barons trouble. The once small lead turned into a meaningful deficit. The boys shook off their early woes and went back to playing high-level basketball, but those 10 minutes became game-defining. For the remaining 25 minutes, the Barons played great defense and slowly inched away at the lead. However, each time they began to make some ground, the Presidents would get an easy one off an offensive rebound or they'd hit a big shot to hold the Barons at arms lenth. 
    Eventually time ran out and the Presidents managed to hold the Barons at bay with the 10 point deficit. With the mid-game announcement that the Westminster Titans had won the other semifinal game, and both teams having good wins against the Titans, the realization that this could very well be the deciding game for the PAC ramped-up emotions. The atmosphere was incredible, and the decibels were tangible. For everyone who attended the game or has faithfully supported the program through the years and this season, please watch the video below to the left.
    
    The matchup between W&J and the Barons is playing out to be the game to watch every year. The Presidents played a great game, and the Barons wish the them the best of luck in their championship game against the Titans.
    Ignoring any other post-season invites, the Barons finish the run just one win shy of the infamous 72-73' season. However, the season isn't necessarily over yet. With their 21-6 record they are qualified for an ECAC bid. They await their invitation from the ECAC which goes out on Monday. With a potential chance at an ECAC title, the Barons will have one more opportunity to end this incredible year with a trophy raised and surpass the 72-73' season in the history books.   

Inside the Numbers 
- Franciscan shot a season worst 16.7% from 3pt
- Three Barons scored in the double-digits
- Zach Oliver had his 8th double-double of the season
- Nathan Richards had career-highs in scoring and shot attempts 

Up Next 
Franciscan will likely earn a bid into the ECAC Championship. The same postseason tournament that they earned a bid into last season. The full ECAC Tournament Field will be released next week. 

Stay Connected 
Be sure to follow Franciscan Athletics on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for the most in-depth coverage.