RINDGE, N.H. (February 18, 2015) – Carter Smith hit a jumper with four seconds to play in overtime to help lead the Stonehill College Skyhawks to victory over the Franklin Pierce University Ravens by a final score of 65-63 on Wednesday night. Senior Ryen Vilmont (Philadelphia, Pa.) notched a double-double by scoring a team-high 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the process.

With the loss, Franklin Pierce drops to 13-12 (9-10 Northeast-10) while Stonehill improves to 17-8 (12-7 Northeast-10). Franklin Pierce now has two games remaining in their regular season schedule. The matchup also splits the season series between the teams as the Ravens previously grabbed their previous meeting of the season back in November on a last-second free-throw by junior Tyler Iacuone (Mahopac, N.Y.).

The Ravens were able to take the reins out of the gate, taking a lead on the Northeast Division third place team. Franklin Pierce was able to keep a strong pace throughout the whole first half, gaining at one point a seven point lead which turned out to be their largest lead of the day. Despite shooting worse from the field (37.9% to 47.8%), the Ravens outshot the Skyhawks from behind the arc (41.7% to 20.0%) to take a lead into the locker room at the half, 28-24.

The second half turned into a whirlwind of scoring and lead changes, with Stonehill grabbing the lead just over three minutes into the second half on a layup by Jack Cole. The back-and-forth scoring continued throughout the half, with both teams refusing to give an inch as the score would tie a total 13 times. However, after a layup by Mike McDevitt to give the Ravens a four point lead with 5:44 to go, the scoring would thin.

The Ravens would not score the remaining of the half, and Stonehill would only score twice. Ryan Logan would put home a layup with 3:40 to play to tie up the score, and Stonehill wouldn't score until 40 seconds remained on the clock, as Pierce Cumpstone would drain a jumper from the short corner to tie it up.

Franklin Pierce would have a chance to win it at the buzzer, as Paul Becklens (Boston, Mass.) drove the lane. His attempt would be blocked by Cole and the game with go to overtime.

The scoring would stay thin in the extra frame, as only 10 total points would be scored between the two teams. Both teams would again trade baskets though the final five minutes. After freshman Mike McDevitt (Cumberland, Maine) put back a tip-in with 26 seconds remaining, that set up the last second herocis for Smith to drain his jumper for Stonehill.

Behind Vilmont's double-double was both Iacuone and McDevitt, who each finished with 11 points. Iacuone and Becklens eached dished out a team-high four assists, while sophomore Donte Gittens (Hartford, Conn.) added in four blocks and three assists in his return to the lineup after four-game hiatus. Senior Aboubacar Casse (Dakar, Senegal) also contributed with three blocks, and hit two big three pointers down the stretch.

Jack Cole supplied a monster game for Stonehill, as he put home 16 points and grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds for a double-double, while Carter Smith led the scoring with 19 points. Ryan Logan chipped in a slash line of 14 points and seven rebounds, and Pierce Cumpstone put in eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Ravens now take the floor next this Saturday, February 21 when they travel to Merrimack. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 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).