CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Mount St. Joseph University men's basketball team defeated Franklin College on Wednesday evening at the Harrington Center, 69–65. With the win, the Mount sits atop the HCAC standings alongside three other teams with 10–4 records.
Jason Lavender came out hot for the Lions, scoring their first eight points by hitting two three-pointers and a pair of free throws, helping the Mount trail just 9–8 five minutes into the game. The Grizzlies controlled the remainder of the half, building a lead of as many as 11 points. To close the half, Blaine Ward made a layup, and with one second remaining, Jay Bilton inbounded the ball to Lavender, who knocked down a fadeaway three-pointer to send the Lions into halftime trailing 35–29.
The Mount carried that momentum into the second half, opening with a 10–0 run. Matthew Menninger scored eight of the ten points during the run, including two three-pointers and a layup. The Lions maintained a lead of no more than five points for the next eight minutes. At the 6:24 mark, Jason Lavender sank two free throws to give the Mount its first double-digit lead of the game. The Lions hit key free throws down the stretch and held on for the 69–65 victory.
The Mount was led by Jason Lavender, who recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Matthew Menninger also notched a double-double, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Lavender and Menninger combined to shoot 9-for-10 from the free-throw line.
UP NEXT: The Lions will travel to Richmond, Indiana, to take on Earlham College on Saturday, February 7, at 1:30 p.m.
