NORTH MANCHESTER, IND. – A run of scoring 12 of the game's first 19 points wasn't enough to send Manchester University to a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Wednesday, Jan. 6.

Hobbled by cold shooting (12 of 46 overall – 26.1 percent/two-of-nine from three-point range – 22.2 percent), the Spartans saw their early 12-7 lead turn into a 21-16 halftime deficit, as the visiting Franklin College Grizzlies put up a 14-4 stretch to end the opening half. A scoring drought of better than eight minutes resumed for the home team, as FC built the advantage to as much as 16 in the span. MU did pull back within 10 (32-22) in the closing moments of the third period but it was as close as they would get in route to a 51-28 defeat.

Senior guard Katie Arterburn (Indianapolis, Ind.) led the Black and Gold's offensive attack with nine points. Junior guard Jenifer Lee (Rockville, Ind.) came off the bench to tally seven points.

The Spartans (4-8 overall, 2-3 HCAC) look to get back to the .500 mark in league play Saturday, Jan. 9. They travel to Rose-Hulman's Hulbert Arena in Terre Haute, Ind., for a 2 p.m. tipoff.