Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College men's basketball team trimmed a 12-point deficit in the second half to six points, but Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference co-leader Mount St. Joseph University used a strong finish to pick up a 74-61 victory on Saturday from the Spurlock Center.
Late runs at the end of both halves helped the Lions remain tied with Defiance College atop the league standings.
Mount St. Joseph used an 8-0 run before a three-point field goal by freshman Caleb Giles (Indianapolis, Ind./Edinburgh) gave the visitors a 34-25 halftime advantage.
MSJ took a 39-27 lead in the opening minutes of the second half before Franklin attempted a rally. The Grizzlies used a 9-4 run over a five-minute span to get within six points, 49-43, after a layup by junior John Beineke (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) with 12:07 left.
MSJ answered with six straight points to once again push the margin to 12 points. However, Franklin responded with six straight points to get within 55-49 at the 9:28 mark. A basket by Beineke started the scoring spurt. Two consecutive baskets by junior Brett McCory (Vallonia, Ind./Brownstown Central) capped Franklin's 6-0 run.
Later, a three-point play by senior Trae Washington (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) got Franklin within nine points, 70-61, with 1:53 left. However, that was as close as the Grizzlies would get as MSJ connected on all four free throws to seal the victory.
Beineke scored a team-high 18 points off the bench. Washington added 16 points, while McCory scored 12 points. Junior Aaron Mann (Indianapolis, Ind./Howe) rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points.
Prior to the game the men's basketball program honored senior players Matt Niehoff (Rushville, Ind./Rushville) and Washington. The team also recognized two senior cheerleaders and a senior athletic trainer.
Franklin returns to action on Wednesday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. when it travels to Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky. Live video and statistics of the game will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics). Like the Grizzlies on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics), and on Instagram (@fcgrizzlies).