Recap by student-staff writer Rich Rosa 

RINDGE, N.H (1/27/2024) – Franklin Pierce men's basketball came within three-points of taking down one of the top teams in the Northeast-10 Saturday night, but ultimately fell in the final minute to Southern New Hampshire 81-78.

Score: Franklin Pierce 78, SHNU 81
Records: Franklin Pierce (4-15, 2-11 NE-10), SHNU (12-6, 8-5 NE-10)
Location: Rindge, NH (The Fieldhouse)
Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Both teams traded baskets in the first half. The Penmen started strong, with senior guard Preston Santos knocking down two three-pointers to set the tone. The Ravens punched back with a  21-7 run fueled by three three-pointers from Sophomore forward Ugo Nwachukwu (Imo State, Nigeria) and another two three-pointers from sophomore guard Andrew Politi (Salem, NH). Closing out the first half, the Ravens led 40-36.
• In the second half, SHNU outscored Franklin Pierce 45-38. After being shut down in the first half, graduate forward Matt Becht took over the game and scored 15 second-half points to help the Penmen regain the lead. Becht finished the afternoon with 22 points, shooting 7 for 17 from the field and 6 for 10 from behind the arc. The Ravens came back at the end and came up short, and the Penmen held on to win 81-78. 
• Four Franklin Pierce players finished the afternoon in double figures. Junior forward Sean Trumper (Ashford, United Kingdom) picked up his sixth double-double of the season. He had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Trumper was an impressive 8 for 8 from the free-throw line. Nwachukwu had 11 points, shot 4 for 7 from the field, and was 3 for 5 from behind the arc. Junior transfer forward Ja'Keese Kemp (Lakeland, FL) had 13 points and shot 5 for 11 from the field. Junior transfer guard Dwayne Robinson O'Hagan (Woonsocket, RI) had 13 points and shot 4 for 11 from the field. 

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:

• Franklin Pierce shot 41% from the field (25 for 61). SHNU shot 41% from the field (26 for 64)
• Franklin Pierce shot 39% from behind the arc (13 for 33). SHNU shot 50% from behind the arc (14 for 28).
• Franklin Pierce shot 79% from the free throw line (15 for 19). SHNU shot 83% from the free-throw line (15 for 18).
• Both teams finished the game with 18 points in the paint.
• Franklin Pierce had 37 total rebounds.

NEXT UP FOR THE RAVENS:

• The Franklin Pierce Ravens remain at home as they take on St. Rose for the final time this season on Tuesday, January 30, with tip-off at 7:30 p.m.