Barons fall to Grove City in basketball home opener

RACHAEL WHITMAN
STAFF WRITER

Franciscan University men’s basketball team fell to Grove City College, 78-57, during the Barons’ home opener Saturday at 1 p.m.

The crowd that gathered resembled the size of the crowd that came out to Midnight Madness, with eager fans cheering the Barons on and screaming whenever they made a good shot.

The game started with the Barons on the defensive side and despite the home court advantage, the first 5 points were by Grove City.

mens basketball
The Franciscan University men’s basketball team battled until the final buzzer but fell in its season and home opening game to Grove City, 78-57, Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Martin Jernberg)

Baron team captain and senior guard, Christian Duke made the team’s first two points after a foul by Grove City.

Duke continued to lead the Barons’ scores with a total of 24 points. John Paul Dombrowski, a sophomore forward, also played well on the defense side, blocking shots from Grove City.

Thanks to Grove City’s fouls, Franciscan made a good deal of its shots as free throws, mainly by Duke. Grove City had a total of 15 fouls and the Barons had 10.

During half time, freshman Clarice Orteza performed a dance baton routine to “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.

The Barons’ next game will be Saturday, Nov. 21, at 3 p.m. at Muskingum University. Their next home game will be against conference opponent, Mt. Aloysius College on Wednesday Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.