Mace Video

Franklin, Ind. - Four players scored in double figures to lead the Franklin College men's basketball team past Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) leader Mount St. Joseph University 76-71 on Alumni Day on Saturday in the Spurlock Center.

The Grizzlies (4-13, 3-7 HCAC) shot 53.2 percent from the floor and made nine three-point field goals. The team also held a 32-22 rebounding edge in the contest.

Junior Trae Washington (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) scored 23 points and had five assists. Sophomore Aaron Mann (Indianapolis, Ind./Howe) tallied 17 points. Classmate Robbie Prather (Franklin, Ind./Roncalli) added 12 points and freshman Jim Mace (Brazil, Ind./Northview) chipped in 10 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Both teams got off to strong shooting performances with Franklin holding a 14-10 lead after a layup by sophomore Matt Niehoff (Rushville, Ind./Rushville) four minutes into the period.

MSJ (13-4, 8-2 HCAC) answered with a quick 9-2 spurt over the next three minutes to take a 19-16 lead. However, the Grizzlies used a 13-2 run behind three consecutive three pointers by sophomore Brandon Scruggs (Royal Center, Ind./Pioneer), Mann, and Prather. The outside shooting gave the hosts a 29-21 lead midway through the first half.

The Grizzlies stretched the margin to 11 points, 35-24, after a layup by Washington. The team led 46-37 at halftime after shooting 61.5 percent in the opening half.

In the second half, a three-point field goal by Washington pushed Franklin's lead to 57-43 at the 15:57 mark. Later, another three pointer by Washington gave the team a 62-49 lead with 12:16 remaining.

MSJ scored five quick points to trim the lead into single digit, 62-54, with 10:15 left. The lead remained at eight points, 66-58, following a layup by MSJ's Mark Allen with just over six minutes remaining.

The Lions used a three pointer from Joel Scudder to get within 66-62 at the 4:56 mark. Another three-point field goal by the Lions cut Franklin's lead to 68-65 with 1:45 left.

Following a missed layup on its next possession, Scruggs intercepted a pass and fed Washington for a quick layup to push the margin to five points, 70-65, with 1:04 left.

Franklin led 72-69 with 24 seconds left following a pair of free throws by MSJ. Washington connected on two free throws and the Lions missed a three-point field goal attempt on its next possession. Two additional free throws by Prather helped secure the home victory.

Prior to the game former players participated in an alumni game. Former student-athletes were also recognized during a halftime presentation.

Franklin returns to action on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m. when it hosts Manchester University. Live audio, statistics, and video of the game will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics).