Recap by student-staff writer Julian Monks

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (1/25/25) – Franklin Pierce University men's basketball team secured a much-needed victory on the road, defeating New Haven 72-64 in an NE10 matchup on Saturday afternoon. With a balanced offensive attack led by standout performances from Donte Pope and Demariontay Hall, the Ravens capitalized on New Haven's turnovers and dominated the paint to snap their recent skid.

Score: Franklin Pierce 72, New Haven 64
Records: Franklin Pierce (5-12, 3-9 NE10), New Haven (8-9, 6-6 NE10)
Location: Jeffery P. Hazell Athletics Center, Hew Haven, Conn.
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Franklin Pierce jumped out to an early lead, getting scoring by a jumper from Donte Pope (Middletown, CT), and then a powerful dunk by Demariontay Hall (Atlanta, GA. The Ravens maintained control of the game, as they took advantage of the turnovers and absolutely dominated the paint.
• New Haven struggled from the beginning on the offensive end, finishing shooting 37.7% from the field. The nine triples were not enough, as lacked the energy to withstand Franklin Pierce's strong shooting and interior supremacy.
• Exciting moments consisted of back-to-back put-backs from Hall in the first half, and a dagger three-pointer from Ja'Keese Kemp (Lakeland, Fl) in the second half, allowing a double-digit lead for the Ravens. Franklin Pierce made the difference in turning the New Haven 13 turnovers into 14 points.
• New Haven's bench contributed 23 points and kept the game within reach, but Franklin Pierce's balanced attack and superior shooting proved too much. Late free throws by Trevon Thomas sealed the victory for the Ravens.

THE MOMENTS BY THE NUMBERS:

• Franklin Pierce was led by Donte Pope (Middletown, CT) with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Demariontay Hall (Atlanta, GA), meanwhile, pumped in 14 points and 9 rebounds, many of which were second-chance buckets.
• Franklin Pierce shot 52.0% from the field compared to New Haven, which shot 37.7%.
• New Haven out-rebounded Franklin Pierce 39-32, but poor ball handling cost them, resulting in a 14-5 deficit in points off turnovers.
• The Ravens dominated inside, scoring 40 points in the paint against New Haven's 26.

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: They won't rest easy, though-they're already preparing to continue this run against Assumption next week.