FRANKLIN – The Franklin men's basketball team secured their first win of the season in dramatic fashion on Tuesday (Nov. 14), getting a buzzer-beater from junior
Lynn King for the deciding bucket in a 67-65 win over Millikin University.
King recorded his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds, as the Grizzlies (1-1) shook off a tough first half shooting the ball to hand the Big Blue (2-1) their first loss of the year.
How it Happened
Both teams struggled shooting the ball in the opening half, with each team connecting on less than 35% of their field goal attempts. Millikin had the game's first big run with a 13-3 stretch and would lead by as many as 10 in the opening half. But Franklin netted the final six points of the opening period to take some momentum into the locker room down by only four at 27-23.
The hosts kept that momentum coming out of the break with a 9-2 run to start the second half and take a 32-29 lead with 17:33 to play. It started off a stretch that saw the two teams exchange the lead 15 times with eight ties, but the Grizzlies were sitting pretty with 1:26 to go, holding a 65-59 lead after two
Ryan Bostic free throws.
The Big Blue responded with threes on back-to-back possessions, tying the game with 29 seconds to play. The Griz held for the final shot and King had two looks in close that missed before the third time was the charm at the horn, sealing Franklin's thrilling comeback victory.
Inside the Box Score
-The Grizzlies shot 48.1% (26-for-54) on the night, which included a blistering 63% field goal percentage in the final half.
-Bostic was the only other Franklin player in double figures, dropping 14 points.
-King also led the team with four assists and tied with
Jalen Love for most steals in the game with three.
-Franklin won the always-critical turnover battle 18-10, cashing in for 28 points off Millikin turnovers.
-An under-sized Franklin lineup held the edge in points in the paint at the end of the night at 34-20.
Up Next
The Grizzlies have a quick turnaround before their first road game of the year, which comes on Thursday (Nov. 16) night and a matchup with the Trine Thunder. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
