Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College men's basketball team scored 50 points and shot 55 percent during a furious second-half charge, but the rally fell short in a 70-68 loss to Thomas More College in non-conference action on Wednesday inside the Spurlock Center.

The Grizzlies trailed 29-18 at halftime, but opened the second half on a 10-2 run. Three-point field goals by sophomores Brett McCory (Vallonia, Ind./Brownstown Central) and Robbie Prather (Franklin, Ind./Roncalli) helped the charge.

Franklin took a 37-33 lead after a layup by sophomore John Beineke (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) with 13:14 left.

Thomas More (5-4) answered with five consecutive points to regain the lead.

The hosts held a 41-38 advantage at the 10:17 mark following a layup by junior Trae Washington (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South).

The Saints built a 10-point lead, 60-50, with 5:17 left behind three consecutive three pointers by Daniel Williams.

However, the Grizzlies battled back with five straight points. Trailing 68-62 with one minute left, Washington connected on a four-point play to trim the lead to 68-66.

Thomas More got a layup on its next possession to go ahead by four points, 70-66, with 38 seconds left. A layup from freshman Jim Mace (Brazil, Ind./Northview) brought Franklin within 70-68.

Thomas More's Drew Mumford missed a free throw with 21 seconds left and Franklin had a chance to tie the game. Following a timeout with seven seconds remaining the Grizzlies were unable to get off the potential game-tying attempt.

Mann led the Grizzlies with 19 points. McCory added 15 points and Washington chipped in 14 points.

Thomas More's Mumford led all scorers with 20 points.

Franklin returns to action on Saturday, December 20, at 3 p.m. when it hosts Wabash College from the Spurlock Center. Live audio and statistics of the game will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics).