DEFIANCE, Ohio – A dominant fourth quarter performance from the Franklin women's basketball team helped pave the way to their first conference win of the year, a 58-51 triumph over Defiance on Saturday (Dec. 3) afternoon.
The Grizzlies (2-3, 1-1 HCAC) allowed just four points in the fourth quarter, battling back from as many as 10 points down to clip the Yellow Jackets (1-4, 0-2 HCAC).
How it Happened
The first quarter saw the Yellow Jackets fluster Franklin's offensive attack, as the Grizzlies would go five minutes between buckets after taking a 6-4 lead. Consecutive buckets from
Taylor Cooney closed out the opening period, getting the Defiance lead down to 16-11 after 10 minutes. Defiance led by as many as eight in the second quarter, but another strong stretch to close out the period got the Griz within a pair at 28-26 after one half.
The Grizzlies would fall into another eight-point hole before getting to within striking distance at 47-43 when the third quarter ended. The final period saw the Franklin defense make things miserable for Defiance's offense, with the Yellow Jackets missing all 17 of their fourth-quarter field goal attempts and Franklin taking the lead for good with 7:39 to play on a
Maddie Barnes layup.
Inside the Box Score
-Franklin shot 42% (21-for-50) from the floor, knocking down 7-of-14 threes on the afternoon.
-Sophomore Cooney and freshman
Lauryn Bates recorded the first double doubles of their respective careers in the win. Cooney led the Grizzlies with 13 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Bates had 12 points and 12 boards off the bench.
-The Grizzlies dominated on the glass, grabbing 47 boards to 29 for the Jackets.
-Franklin assisted on 17 of their 21 field goals made, with Cooney's eight assists leading the team.
Up Next
The Grizzlies step out of conference play this coming Wednesday (Dec. 7) night, heading to Michigan for a meeting with the Olivet Comets. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
