Recap by student-staff writer Ryan Fitzpatrick

RINDGE, N.H. (2/19/25)– The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team had celebrated senior day at the Fieldhouse Wednesday evening as they were taken on by the Purple Knights of Bridgeport. The Purple Knights were led by Aliou Cisse as they defeated the Ravens 90-71.

Score: Bridgeport 90, FPU 71
Records: Bridgeport (15-11,9-5 CACC), FPU (3-23, 2-16 NE10)
Location: The Fieldhouse, Rindge, N.H.
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Ja'Keese Kemp (Lakeland, Fl.) got the scoring started for the Ravens as the celebrated senior hit a jump shot to make it 2-0. Cicce answers for the Purple Knights after as he ties it at 2. After each team exchanges 3-pointers and lead changes, the Purple Knights go on a 23-0 run to take over the game at the Fieldhouse, starting by Justin Hendrick hitting a 3-pointer, to initially put the Purple Knights in the lead. The Ravens do get back on the board as Kemp makes another Jump shot but still trail 30-11. Pierce Prendergast (Bayport, N.Y.) slams a dunk to get the Ravens within 17 before half, as they trail 46-29.
• The Purple Knights start off the second half as they go on another 10-0 run led by Amadou Traore hitting back-to-back jump shots. Demariontay Hall (Atlanta, Ga) dunks to have the Ravens back in it. Though, the Purple Knights lead was too much to overcome, as they sealed the victory against the Ravens, 90-71.

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:

• Donte Pope led the Ravens with 16 points.
• Nathanial Smith contributed 12 points off the bench.
• The Ravens shot just 38% from the field opposed to the Purple Knights' 50.6%.

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS:
The Ravens go on the road this upcoming weekend to face the Southern Connecticut Owls on Saturday the 22nd. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m.