Yellow Jackets Routed by Grizzlies 86-66

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Defiance College men's basketball team was defeated 86-66 by Franklin College this afternoon in Franklin, Indiana.

Defiance falls to 3-16 on the season, 2-10 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action.

With just over five minutes remaining in the first half, the Yellow Jackets trailed the Grizzlies by 12 points. Franklin built their lead on back-to-back three-pointers but could not suppress the DC offense, spurred by a three-pointer from Dakota Barkley. Trevon Grimes tacked on a pair of threes to shrink the gap to just one with 1:11 left on the clock. FC would go on to close the first half with a six-point run, putting them up 42-53 going into halftime.

The Purple and Gold came out of the locker room undeterred, however, sinking five consecutive buckets, four of which from Kiewuan Graham, to equalize the contest at 43 apiece at the 16:56 minute-mark.

Three quick turnovers from the Yellow Jackets shifted the momentum back to the home team, helping them extend their lead to 15 after a 9-0 run. Franklin continued to build their advantage, eventually swelling to a game-high 23 points. The Grizzlies would go on to capture the home win, 86-66.

DC outrebounded the Grizzlies 44-34 but couldn't connect at the same rate offensively, shooting 34.8% from the floor compared to Franklin's 50.9%. Grimes paced the Purple and Gold with 16 points. Graham chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds while Avion Franklin added nine points and four rebounds.

Defiance continues their schedule on Wednesday, January 31 as they travel to Anderson University for a 7:30 PM matchup.