CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Franklin women's basketball team wrapped up the opening round of conference play on Wednesday (Jan. 18) night, taking on the Mount St. Joseph Lions in the finale of a three-game road trip.
 
Junior CiCi Bailey led the Grizzlies (6-10, 4-5 HCAC) with 14 points the Grizzlies held the Lions (7-8, 5-4 HCAC) under 30% from the field. But the Lions used 15 fourth quarter free throws to take the win by a 58-48 count.
 
How it Happened
The game started with nine straight points from the Lions but Franklin would rebound to get within 15-13 after one. Franklin took their first lead of the game with a Maddie Barnes layup that made it 17-16 with 8:11 to go in the first half, and Franklin headed into the break holding a 30-29 lead after going 8-for-14 from the floor in the second period.
 
Both defenses controlled the play in the third quarter and the teams headed into the fourth tied at 39 after a 7-0 Franklin run to close out the frame. Franklin held a 44-43 lead with 6:56 to go, but couldn't stretch the lead and couldn't overcome the Lions going 15-for-18 from the line in the final period while Franklin didn't attempt one free throw.
 
Inside the Box Score
-The Grizzlies held the Lions to 28.6% (18-for-63) from the floor and 2-for-15 from three on the night.
-Georgia Hanauer and Sarah O'Day had eight point each coming off the bench.
-Making her first career start, freshman Camiell Perry had a team-high four assists and pulled down six rebounds.
-Bailey and Barnes tied for the team lead with seven board each.
 
Up Next
Franklin returns to their home floor on Saturday (Jan. 21) afternoon to start the second round of league play. The Grizzlies host Defiance at 1:00 p.m. in the Spurlock Center.