Lions unable to defeat HCAC foe Franklin

LOCATION: CINCINNATI, Ohio (Harrington Center)

THE BASICS:
The Lions of Mount St. Joseph kept the game close, only trailing by two at the half but were unable to take control in the 2^nd half. Junior guard Brady Thomas had another incredible game from the field scoring 18 points in the first half and finishing with 25 in a losing effort.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
The Lions struggled offensively early and trailed by 7 points just 6 minutes into the first half. The Lions then picked up their defensive tempo and were able to climb their way back into the game. With eight and a half minutes remaining in the first half the Lions trailed by 6 points. Junior guard Brady Thomas then converted a 3-point and-one to trim the lead to 2 points. After a Franklin layup Thomas then hit another 3-point bucket to tie the game with 7 minutes remaining. The Lions ended the half trailing 36-34 but Thomas was absolutely dominant for the Lions in the scoring 18 of the Lions 34 points.

In the second half the Lions never found their footing. They stood tall defensively for the first 9 minutes of the half keeping the Grizzlies lead within 6 points. The Grizzlies emphasized containing Brady Thomas in the 2^nd half so the Lions turned to juniors Devin Young and Tanner Clos who combined for 15 second-half points. But, the Lions could not stop the Grizzlies late coming out victorious 73-64.

STANDOUTS:
Brady Thomas had another dominant game from the field on Thursday night totaling 25 points. Tanner Clos and Devin Young joined Thomas in double figures with 15 and 13 respectively. Young was also a big contributor on the boards by bringing down 8 rebounds, while Clos made himself a problem defensively with 3 steals.

UP NEXT:
The Lions will travel to Franklin, Ind. on Saturday, February 13^th for their finale versus the Grizzlies of Franklin College. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00pm, tune into MSJLions.com for all of your Lions coverage.