RINDGE, N.H. (February 12, 2015) – After watching the lead change ten times, and the score tying up seven times, including after regulation, the Franklin Pierce Men's Basketball team was unable to convert a golden opportunity to drop a current top team in the Northeast-10 Conference on Thursday night. The Ravens were defeated by the American International College Yellow Jackets in overtime by a final score of 76-70.

The loss gives the Ravens a loss in their fourth game in their last five, and drop their overall record to 13-11 (8-9 Northeast-10), while the Yellow Jackets pump up their record to 18-5 (13-4 Northeast-10).

It appeared all might fall in favor of the Ravens in the first half, as Franklin Pierce would continually break the three-quarter court press that AIC would push all game. However, the Yellow Jackets would shoot better overall from the field for the half (40.6%) than the Ravens (36.4%), but Franklin Pierce would keep up with their seven three-pointers to AIC's one conversion. Franklin Pierce would enter the locker room at the half up by two thanks to a layup by junior Tyler Iacuone (Mahopac, N.Y.) with three seconds to go in the half. The Ravens would lead 31-29.

The second half began with two consecutive buckets by the Yellow Jackets, giving them a slight advantage for a short time. However, consecutive three-pointers by senior Ryen Vilmont (Philadelphia, Pa.) would help the momentum shift toward the Ravens. That lead would also be short lived for Franklin Pierce, as AIC would come back and grab the lead three minutes later at the 13 minutes remaining mark. A second of two three-pointers by Cameron Dobbs would give the Yellow Jackets the lead that they would hold until there was 1:15 remaining in the half.

The Ravens trailed by only three points at that time, until none other than Vilmont stepped into one behind the arc, and nailed a game tying bucket to put the score at 58-58 with a minute to go. A missed layup on the other end by Marcus Porter, and turnovers by both sides, gave the Ravens a chance with less than a second separating the shot and game clock.

A pass from the corner in towards freshman Mike McDevitt (Cumberland, Maine) was knocked away by two Yellow Jackets with four seconds to play. Bobby Harris would grab the loose ball, and have a chance to win it, only to come up short as the ball hit the front of the rim sending the game into an extra frame.

In overtime, the Yellow Jackets took over, as the Ravens could not make a basket. Yet fouls on AIC kept sending Franklin Pierce to the free-throw line, keeping the game close. Two free throws by Porter would give AIC an eight point lead with 19 seconds to play, thus sealing the win for the Yellow Jackets.

Leading the Ravens pursuit of victory on the night was Vilmont, who quietly knocked down 34 points while hitting six threes and going a perfect 8-8 from the free-throw line. Senior Paul Becklens (Boston, Mass.) would add 12 points and seven assists, which included going a perfect 2-2 from behind the arc. Iacuone would also chip in with 11 points, eight rebounds, and two steals. Vilmont would also grab six rebounds of his own.

For AIC, they would be led by Porter and Dobbs, as each eclipsed the 20-point mark. Porter finished with a team best 25 points and nine rebounds, only one board away from a double-double. Dobbs would tickle twine for 22 points, including four three pointers. Bobby Harris would also come out with a solid all-around gamer of 11 points, seven steals, and five assists. Trahmier Burrell would also grab nine rebounds as well.

The Ravens return to the court this Saturday, February 14 in Rindge, as they will look for a little love and look to snap their losing streak against Saint Anselm at 2 p.m.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the official website of Franklin Pierce Athletics (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu). Also be sure to follow the Ravens through the Department of Athletics' official Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/FranklinPierceRavens), its YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/franklinpiercesports) and its Twitter feed (http://twitter.com/FPUathletics). Fans wishing to purchase Franklin Pierce basketball apparel can do so at the Department of Athletics' online store (http://athletics.franklinpierce.edu/store).