CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. – The Franklin men's basketball team closed out their three-game season-opening road trip on Friday (Nov. 22) night, taking on in-state rival Wabash College.
 
The Grizzlies (2-1) left Chadwick Court with a comprehensive victory, knocking off the Little Giants (1-3) 82-68 in their first win over Wabash since 2014 and first road victory in the series since 2013.
 
How it Happened
Franklin started to put some distance between the teams with a 12-2 run midway through the first half that turned a one-point game into a 28-17 Griz lead with nine minutes to go in the first half. Franklin would lead by as many as 15 points in the opening half before taking a 43-34 lead into the break.
 
Wabash got the lead down to six early in the second half, but wouldn't come any closer as Franklin blew the game open with a 14-3 run that made it 77-57 with 4:54 to play. The hosts made one last push and cut the lead down to as little as 12, but the Grizzlies would close out the win in comfortable fashion.
 
Inside the Box Score
-Franklin turned in their most efficient offensive performance of the young season, shooting 54.5% (30-for-55) from the field and going 12-for-23 from three and 10-for-13 from the line.
-Braden Flanagan led Franklin with 17 points and was joined in double figures by Cody Samples (16 pts), Cooper Matthews (15 pts) and Jessie Morgan III (15 pts).
-Despite giving up plenty of size down low, the Grizzlies matched Wabash with 29 rebounds on the night. Lynn King led all players with nine boards.
-Franklin made Wabash pay for giving the ball away, turning 17 Little Giant turnovers into 32 points.
-The Grizzlies were in firm control for most of the night, leading for 38:28 of game action.
 
Up Next
Franklin makes their home debut on Tuesday (Nov. 26) night, hosting Knox College. Tip-off from the Spurlock Center is set for 7:00 p.m.