The Millikin men's basketball team lost it home opener 82-73 to Franklin College on Nov. 28 in the Griswold Center.

          The Big Blue played well, but couldn't overcome a hot shooting Grizzlies team.  Franklin shot 54 percent from the field including 9-16 (56 percent) from three point range.  Millikin hit on 43.5 percent of its shots.  Franklin had a big advantage from the free throw line hitting on 29 of 34 while Millikin shot only 18 free throws converting 14.

          The Big Blue had a two point advantage at the half, but Franklin outscored the Big Blue by 11 in the second half.  Franklin out rebounded Millikin 31 to 24.

          TJ Griffin led Millikin with 17 points while Mitch Wilfer added 14.  Deavis Johnson had a team high five rebounds.  Griffin had five steals and Wilfer had three blocks.

          Franklin's top scorer was Baily Howard with 20 points followed by J.T. Barton with 19.

          Franklin is now 2-2 while Millikin falls to 1-3.  The Big Blue will host Principia College on Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. for the Brass Horn Hall of Fame Game.