By Charles Jardine
Assistant Editor
The Franciscan University men’s basketball team faced the Washington and Jefferson Presidents in a shootout, losing 86-70 on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
The up-and-coming freshman guard, Sawyer Butler helped the Barons’ veteran senior guard, Josh Zimmerman to put on an offensive show in the first 10 minutes.
Sawyer and Zimmerman combined for 14 of the Barons’ first 17 points to give them a five-point lead over the Presidents.
Sophomore guard, Frank Bellissimo joined in on the offensive action with a three-pointer to keep a slim four-point lead over the Presidents, 22-18.
The Presidents went on a 9-0 run to give them their own five-point lead 27-22 over the Barons, late in the first half.
Sawyer and Zimmerman continued to try and keep their team in the gain, cutting the lead to three or four points a few times. However, missed shots, fouls and Baron turnovers aided the Presidents to an eight-point lead at halftime, 43-35.
The Presidents kept hot in the second half, quickly extending their lead to 12. Freshman guard, James Maholm made a quick jumper to steal some momentum back, but the Barons were still down 47-37.
Freshman forward, Karl Yonkeu made an immediate impact after being subbed in to cut the lead to eight, 49-41.
Despite their offensive efforts, the Barons had no answers for the Presidents on the defensive end. The Presidents continued to score at will extending their lead to 16 in the middle of the second half, 69-53.
The Barons finished out the game with a good effort but could not overcome the Presidents’ offensive onslaught losing, 86-70.
A few key factors in their loss. The Presidents were +14 in points off turnovers, +9 in second-chance points, +28 in points off the bench, +18 in points in the paint and +11 in fast-break points to aid them in their win over the Barons.
The Barons’ next game will be at the Westminster Titans on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m.