RINDGE, N.H. (1/3/25) – The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team battled against No. 3-ranked Daemen University but ultimately fell 87-70 at home in The Fieldhouse. Despite strong efforts from Donte Pope and other key contributors, the undefeated Wildcats showcased their dominance to extend their perfect season.
Score: FPU 70, Daemen 87
Records: FPU 1-11 (0-4 NE10), Daemen 12-0 (4-0 ECC)
Date: Friday, January 3, 2025
Location: The Fieldhouse, Rindge, N.H.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The game began evenly, with both teams trading baskets early. Donte Pope's (Middletown, Conn.) free throws gave Franklin Pierce a 4-2 lead, but Justin Hemphill quickly tied it. The teams exchanged leads until Andrew Mason's 3-pointer put Daemen ahead for good.
- Despite a dunk from Pierce Prendergast (Bayport, N.Y.) narrowing the deficit to seven and a three-pointer by Henry White (Simsbury, Conn.) cutting it to 10 with 6:30 left, the Wildcats extended their lead to 17 points by halftime.
- The second half began with momentum for the Wildcats as Justin Hemphill sank another three-pointer.
- Pope fought to chip away at the Wildcats' lead with multiple jump shots, both in the paint and from beyond the arc, but the game concluded with a tip-in from Fabrice Salvant (Boston, Mass.), sealing a 87-70 victory for Daemen.
BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:
- Donte Pope led the team with 20 points and 7 rebounds.
- The Ravens shot 43.3% from the field. The Wildcats shot 50.8%.
- The Ravens shot 28.6% from three-point range. The Wildcats shot 36.4%.
- The Wildcats had 41 rebounds to the Raven's 27.
UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team is back in action this Sunday, hosting AIC in the Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM following the women's game.
