BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (11/8/24) - In a thrilling back-and-forth season opener, the Franklin Pierce men's basketball team narrowly lost to Post University, 90-88, in overtime on Friday, November 8, 2024. Despite a strong performance from Donte Pope, who led the team with 20 points, and a late rally that forced overtime, the Ravens couldn't secure the win as Post capitalized on key plays in the final moments.
Records: FPU 0-1 (0-0 NE10), POST 1-0 (0-0 CACC)
Location: Bridgeport, Conn.
Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
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In the first half of the game, both teams were neck-and-neck, with Post leading 5-3 after a layup from Deng Deang. Pierce Prendergast (Bayport, N.Y.) tied the game with a 3-point jumper, and the Ravens took the lead after Thomas Prendergast (Bayport, N.Y.) made a layup (7-5). The game remained close as both teams exchanged baskets, with standout performances from Donte Pope (Middletown, Conn.) and Michael Myrie (Baltimore, Md.) contributing offensively. After a brief back-and-forth, including an aggressive dunk from Caleb Gatewood (Tampa, Fla.), the Ravens gained a slim advantage by the halfway point, holding a 15-14 lead following a series of fouls and turnovers.
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Despite some missed opportunities and defensive rebounds from both teams, the Ravens' persistence in defense and rebounding gave them the edge. Myrie made an impactful dunk and contributed a steal, while Nathaniel Smith's (Toronto, Ontario) rebounds were crucial in securing possession. However, a late 3-point play by Post's Akot Bol put the hosts back ahead, and at the halftime buzzer, the score was 18-14 in favor of Post. Both teams showed intensity in the first half, and it was evident that the outcome would be decided in the second half as they continued to trade plays.
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The game remained tightly contested throughout the second half. Franklin Pierce and Post exchanged leads multiple times, with both teams fighting hard to maintain control. The Ravens made several key plays, including free throws from Smith and strong contributions from Demariontay Hall (Atlanta, Ga.). However, Post's offense, including crucial shots and rebounds from Bol and Small, kept them within striking distance. In the final moments of regulation, both teams were tied at 79-79, forcing the game into overtime.
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In overtime, both teams played fiercely, but it was Post who capitalized on key opportunities. Smith made free throws early in OT to give Franklin Pierce a brief lead, but Post responded with strong plays, including a layup from Hall to give the Ravens an 83-79 advantage. Despite turnovers and missed opportunities, the Ravens kept battling. However, Bol's late layup put Post ahead 90-88, and the Ravens couldn't recover in the final seconds, sealing the win for Post.
BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:
UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The men's basketball team returns to action on Sunday for their next game of the Bridgeport Tip-Off Tournament. They face the tournament hosts, Bridgeport University on Sunday at 5 PM.
