RINDGE, N.H. (1/31/26) – The Franklin Pierce University men's basketball team battled for 40 minutes in a back-and-forth Northeast 10 matchup but came up just short, falling 49–46 to Pace University on Saturday evening at The Fieldhouse.

The game featured seven lead changes and a one-possession margin for the final eight minutes, with the Ravens holding answers throughout the night before a late Pace free throw pushed the visitors ahead for good.

Score: Pace 49, Franklin Pierce 46
Records: Franklin Pierce 5–14 (2–10 NE10), Pace 10–11 (5–7 NE10)
Location: The Fieldhouse, Rindge, N.H.
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Franklin Pierce came out sharp on both ends, sparked by early scoring from Beni Lavodrama (Washington, D.C.) and Dylan Goodman(Long Island, N.Y.), who each connected from deep to build rhythm in the opening minutes. Raymond Baka (Atlanta, Ga.) was strong on the glass from the start, pulling down multiple early rebounds to help the Ravens take a narrow 27–26 lead into halftime. FPU shot 46.7 percent in the first half and knocked down three threes to set the tone offensively. 
• Coming out of the break, Erick Perez (Loiza, Puerto Rico) provided a burst of energy, scoring out of ball screens and adding to his team-high minutes while controlling the pace offensively. Goodman buried another three midway through the second half, while Grgo Katic (Zagreb, Croatia) and Viktar Kachalouski (Brest, Belarus) each contributed key defensive stops that kept the Ravens within a possession.
• Pace made its late push at the free-throw line, tying the game at 46–46 in the final seconds before knocking down the go-ahead free throw with five seconds left. Franklin Pierce had one final chance, but a contested three fell short as the Setters escaped with the narrow win.
• Despite the loss, the Ravens' defense held Pace to 33 percent shooting and just three made threes on the night.

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS 

• Franklin Pierce shot 40% from the field and 43% from three (6-for-14).
• Beni Lavodrama led the team with 16 points and 7 rebounds. 
• FPU finished with 16 points in the paint, 9 fast-break points, and 6 second-chance points.

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team will be back in action for more NE10 play this Wednesday (2/4). They will host AIC at 7:30 p.m.