Washington Video

Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College men's basketball team had four double-figure scorers in leading to a 79-74 home Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) victory over Manchester University on Wednesday evening inside the Spurlock Center.

Sophomore Aaron Mann (Indianapolis, Ind./Howe) scored a team-high 22 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Freshman Jim Mace (Brazil, Ind./Northview) recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Trae Washington (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington South) also scored 17 points and had five assists. Sophomore Robbie Prather (Franklin, Ind./Roncalli) added 14 points.

Franklin (5-13, 4-7 HCAC) ended the first half on a 15-4 run over the final 7:36 to take a 43-31 lead after the first 20 minutes.

Manchester (5-13, 4-7 HCAC) responded by opening the second half on an 11-3 run. Caleb Jackson converted a layup to trim Franklin's lead to 46-42 with 15:14 left.

The Grizzlies held a 50-46 advantage after a free throw by Mace at the 12:07 mark. The lead extended to seven points, 57-50, following a jumper by sophomore Matt Niehoff (Rushville, Ind./Rushville) midway through the period.

Later, the Spartans used a 7-0 run to take the lead at 63-61 after a three-point field goal by Matt Brown. Brown, the HCAC's fourth leading scorer (17.3 points per game), scored 21 points in the contest. Manchester was led by Chase Casteel with a game-high 26 points and six three-point field goals.

However, the Grizzlies responded with nine straight points to push the lead to seven points, 70-63, with 3:57 remaining. The visitors battled back and trailed 74-72 after a layup by Brown with 1:40 left.

Franklin forced a shot clock violation with 49 seconds remaining during a possession in which Manchester could have tied or taken the lead.

On Franklin's ensuing possession, Washington converted a layup with 21 seconds left to give the hosts a 76-72 lead. A missed three-point field goal by Manchester followed by a Franklin defensive rebound helped secure the victory. Mann converted two free throws and Washington made one additional free throw in the closing seconds to give the team the season sweep against the Spartans.

The Grizzlies return to action on Saturday, January 31, at 3 p.m. when they travel to Anderson University. Live 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).