RINDGE, N.H. (1/4/23) – The Franklin Pierce men's basketball team returned to Northeast-10 Conference action on Wednesday evening, but found themselves bested at home by opponent Southern Connecticut State University by a 75-66 final score at The Fieldhouse.  

The loss comes as the third straight for the Ravens, who drop to 7-6 (3-4 NE10) overall on the season. Southern Connecticut improves to 10-4 (5-2 NE10) overall, and has claimed victory in its last seven contests.

The early goings of the first half saw a plethora of points scored, with the majority going to the Owls. However, after trailing 16-5 within the opening five minutes, the Ravens stormed from behind to eventually lead the Owls, beginning with a three-point bucket from senior Brandon Kolek (Cumberland, R.I.) at the 14:45 mark. Over the course of the next six minutes, Kolek would contribute another five points from the field, and provide the shot that lead to a catch and dunk play by sophomore Antonio Chandler (Piscataway, N.J.). With five minutes left in the upper half, the Ravens made the first-half comeback official with a three-pointer from up top from junior Sean Bresnan (Yonkers, N.Y.), putting Pierce ahead 30-28. To close out the half, both teams would trade chances up and down the court, with the Ravens holding a 35-33 edge to start the second stanza.

Out of the break, the Owls returned to the floor ready for the win and returned to the lead with a 13-0 run. Over the course of the final 20 minutes, the Ravens would have multiple chances at the rim, but would fail to convert on the bulk shooting just 7-of-20 (35.0%) from the field. In the 11^th minute, freshman guard RJ Delahaye (Newburgh, N.Y.) found points on consecutive possessions, scoring a layup and a three-pointer respectively, keeping Pierce to within one point of the Owls. However, as the Ravens continued to stay alive, the Owls kept their foot on the gas, matching the Ravens point-for-point midway through the half. Eventually, the Ravens ran out of gas, and the Owls used the late momentum shift to their advantage to claim their seventh straight win.

Both Sean Bresnan and Brandon Kolek contributed 14 points in the effort for Pierce, while sophomore Sean Trumper (Ashford, United Kingdom) led all floor players with an 11 board afternoon. As a first year player, RJ Delahaye chalked up a new career-high 12 points, combining with Antonio Chandler's seven point night for a team total of 19 off the bench. As a squad, Pierce shot 25-of-59 (42.4%) from the floor.

Men's basketball will seek redemption this coming Saturday, January 7^th when Pace University comes to Rindge for another NE10 clash at The Fieldhouse