Mann Video

Scruggs Video

Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College men's basketball team rallied from a 13-point first-half deficit to pick up its first victory of the season, a 66-65 win over Wabash College on Saturday afternoon from the Spurlock Center.

The Grizzlies had four double-figure scorers and made 19 of their 23 free throw attempts.

Franklin trailed 29-16 with 6:12 left in the first half. Sophomore Brandon Scruggs (Royal Center, Ind./Pioneer) came off the bench to provide a spark. He scored five quick points to trim the deficit to 29-21.

Wabash (5-3) took a 36-23 lead at the 2:47 mark before a furious end to the half for the Grizzlies. Franklin scored 10 straight points to trail 36-33 at the break. Scruggs scored seven of his 11 points in the first half.

The Grizzlies opened the second half on a quick 7-2 spurt to take a 40-38 lead. A layup from freshman Jim Mace (Brazil, Ind./Northview) gave the hosts the advantage with 17:59 remaining.

The two teams battled back-and-forth the rest of the way. The Little Giants held a 47-42 lead at the 15:00 mark. It was the largest lead for either team in the second half.

A pair of free throws by junior Trae Washington (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) put Franklin ahead 62-60 with 4:49 left. Wabash took a 65-64 lead following a three-point play by Daniel Purvlicis at the 3:52 mark.

Sophomore Cody Federmann (Versailles, Ind./South Ripley) converted a layup off a rebound for what proved to be the game-winning basket with 2:44 left.

Franklin held Wabash without a point over the final 3:52. Leading 66-65, sophomore Brett McCory (Vallonia, Ind./Brownstown Central) missed a three-point field goal attempt with 15 seconds left. After Wabash got the rebound, Austin Burton missed a three pointer with five seconds remaining. The Grizzlies were called for a foul on the rebound to give Wabash a chance to take the lead at the free throw line with three seconds left. However, the Little Giants missed the front end of the bonus free throw attempt and Mace got the defensive rebound to secure the victory.

Sophomore Aaron Mann (Indianapolis, Ind./Howe) led the balanced scoring attack with 15 points. Mace added 12 points and a team-high six rebounds. Scruggs scored 11 points and Washington chipped in 10 points and seven assists.

The Grizzlies committed a season-low seven turnovers in the game and scored 14 points off of Wabash's 13 turnovers.

Franklin (1-9) returns to action on January 3, 2015 when it resumes Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play against Earlham 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).