Recap by student-staff writer Jonah Boyea

Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. (12/7/24) – The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team notched its first win of the season in dramatic fashion, edging out Mercy College 85-83 in a nail-biting non-conference showdown at the Judge Athletic Center. Donte Pope (Middletown, Conn.) delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 36 points while shooting an impressive 68.2% from the floor to lead the Ravens to victory.

Score: Mercy 83, Franklin Pierce 85  
Records: FPU 1-9 (0-5 NE10), Mercy 1-6 (1-0 ECC)   
Location: Judge Athletic Center, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.   
Date: December 9, 2024   

HOW IT HAPPENED:   

• The game started with the Ravens getting on the board first as Aboubacar Wague (Brooklyn, N.Y.) got into the lane for an opening lay-up. This was followed by a Ja'Keese Kemp (Lakeland, FL) three-pointer. The Mavericks kept the game close, with Ethan Robertson pulling them ahead at the 13-11 mark on a lay-up. Donte Pope (Middletown, Conn.) then checked back into the game for the Ravens and started to push the lead for them scoring a game-high 10 points in the half giving the Ravens at one point a ten-point lead. Robertson and Shedrach Makanjuola helped keep the half close for the Mavericks on the glass with help fuel them to out rebound the Ravens 18-15. TJ Holloway contributed heavily on the offensive end for the Mavericks scoring 10 points. The Ravens ended the half leading 46-39.  

• Robertson opened the second half with a big three-pointer that got the Maverick offense going. TJ Holloway then took over, scoring a quick four points to tie the game up at 46. Robertson at the eight-minute mark in the half drained a three to take the lead back 58-57. Pope then answered with seven straight points to pull the Ravens ahead. Holloway was active in the second half keeping the game tight pulling them within two. Robertson then launched a three-pointer and cashed it in for his 18th point, pulling the Mavericks ahead of the Ravens 72-71. The game stayed close with the result coming down to the final shot. Nathan Robertson was heating up, scoring five points in the final minutes, pulling the Mavericks within range 85-83. The Mavericks fell just short on a final shot attempt, giving the Ravens their first win of the season.  

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS  

• Donte Pope led the Ravens with 36 points, shooting 15-for-22 (68.2%) from the field while adding 6 assists and 5 rebounds.  

• Trevon Thomas (Oak Park, Ill.) added 11 points and 2 rebounds, shooting an efficient 2-for-3 from the floor and went 6-for-8 at the line.  

• The Ravens shot 23.5% from beyond the arc, with Kemp making two and Pope and Thomas each sinking key three-pointers to secure the team's first win.  

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS:   

The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team returns home to face off against Goldey-Beacom on Saturday the 14th before the winter break. Tipoff is at 1 pm.