November 26, 2006

BRYANT MEN FALL TO FRANKLIN PIERCE 71-69 IN OVERTIME SUNDAY

RINDGE, NH -  Daryl Minnifield scored on a driving runner with 1.4 seconds left in overtime to lift the host Franklin Pierce Ravens a 71-69 win over the Bryant men's basketball team.  The Bulldogs fell for just the second time this season in dropping to 2-2 on the season, and 1-1 in the Northeast-10 Conference. 

In a wild back and forth second half, the Bulldogs trailed 53-45 midway through the second but a three-pointer from senior Chris Burns followed by a rare four-point play by Burns after draining another three from the top of the key and drawing a foul, the Bulldogs found themselves with a 54-53 advantage with 5:58 left.

The Ravens (2-2, 1-1 NE-10) would retake the lead, 61-59 thanks to a steal and layup by Marcus Wellman with under a minute left. 

With the game clock winding down, Burns took the ball at the top of the key and found a seam against the zone defense and connected with a leaner in the lane with 10.7 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.  

In the extra period, the Bulldogs led 68-67 on another three by Burns and two free throws by Nate Sudlow with 13.3 seconds left helped tie the game 69-69.  But on Franklin Pierce's ensuing possession, Minifield was able to crack the Bryant defense and hit a nice runner for the game winner, sending the Raven's into a mass celebration.

Bryant shot 42.4 percent from the floor as Burns finished with 16 points and went 4 for 9 from three-point range.  Nick Pontes and freshman Cecil Gresham each finished with 12. Pontes was a force on the inside, scoring 10 of his 12 points in the second half.  The sophomore would add 5 rebounds and 3 blocks. 

Minnifield would finish with a game-high 19 points to lead the Ravens.  The two teams will meet once again on February 6 in Smithfield, RI.

The Bulldogs will return home on Wednesday, hosting Assumption College in a Northeast-10 Conference tilt at the Chace Athletic Center. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.