Franciscan 83, Geneva 89

Franciscan Starters 
Jazzlyn Melnyk, Isa Saez-Pedraza, Lucy Wilkinson, Emma Clow, and Maria McCallen

How It Happened 
    Franciscan hosted Geneva on Saturday, the last regular-season home Saturday, at Finnegan Fieldhouse. The Barons came out shooting. In the first six minutes, they shot 76% from the floor, including 100% from beyond the arc. Jazzlyn Melnyk led the way with seven early points to give the Barons the lead. The Golden Tornadoes rallied back to take a one-point lead after one quarter of play. Geneva added onto the lead in the second quarter, and the Barons cooled off shooting. Geneva led by as many as 12 points, and they held a nine-point lead at halftime, 33-24. With 12 points and 10 rebounds, Melnyk had her 12th double double of the season at halftime.

    The Barons have struggled in the third quarter lately, but that was not the case today. Both teams scored 13 points in the first five minutes of the third quarter. The Barons scored 26 points with McCallen and Melnyk leading the way. The Barons kept up the offensive success in the fourth. They were able to cut it to a two-point game after a five-point play. Abbigail Jannuzi made a three-pointer and Melnyk converted a pair of free throws on an off-ball foul. Unfortunately, the Golden Tornadoes went 9-9 from the free-throw line down the stretch to maintain their lead and secure the win.

Inside the Numbers 
- Melnyk set a career-high in points (29) and rebounds (21).
- Her 21 rebounds are tied for the second-most in a game by a Baron all-time.
- McCallen scored 20 points with 10 coming in the final seven minutes.
- 83 points are the most scored by the Barons in a loss in program history.
- 59 points are the most the Barons have scored in a second half all season.

Up Next 
Franciscan will remain at home to take on Chatham on Wednesday. The Cougars bested the Baron in Pittsburgh last month, and they are in a battle with Wayneburg for the fourth and final playoff spot out of the PAC South. 

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