By Gabby Goodwin || Assistant Sports Editor
It was a good day for the Franklin & Marshall Men’s Basketball team when they defeated Lebanon Valley 73-67 on Sunday, November 27 in their fourth game of the season.
F&M guard Brandon Federici scored a season-high 29 points to lead F&M to their victory, improving their record to 3-1 on the season. The Diplomats started off strong with an early 9-2 lead just three minutes into the game.
The Dutchmen, however, came within one of the Dips, down 13-12 with 13 minutes left in the first half.
F&M responded with four baskets, but couldn’t maintain their lead. Lebanon Valley went after their opportunity and, with little less than two minutes remaining in the half, took a four-point lead over F&M, 35-31. F&M’s Hunter Eggers came to the rescue, scoring five points in the final minute to put the Dips back on top.
Starting the second half off with a 38-37 lead, F&M scored six straight, and with the addition of a layup from F&M’s Lior Levy, improved their score to 50-41. A triple by F&M’s Ignas Slyka brought F&M up to a 56-45 lead, which the Dips maintained at 65-55 with 8 minutes left. The Dutchmen put up a good battle, coming within five of the Diplomats, however, they weren’t able to catch up to the Dips, who secured a strong defense.
Their momentum obtained previously did not transfer into the following game unfortunately. In a game against Ursinus this past Thursday, F&M Men’s Basketball suffered a 102-86 loss, dropping their record to 3-2.
While the Bears claimed the victory, Federici finished the game with a team-high of 26 points and, close behind him, F&M’s Matthew Tate finished with 21.
The Dips face the Bears again on Wednesday, February 1. With all the hard work and preparation Men’s Basketball has put into this season, they definitely have the ability to take home a victory against their rival team.
To finish out their week, the team took on Haverford away on Saturday and won 70-63. They continue their tough stretch of schedule when they take on Johns Hopkins on Wednesday at 8 p.m.
The Dips also play Albright at home on Saturday at 3 p.m. Come out and support F&M Men’s Basketball following the Dodgeball Tournament to lead them on the path to victory.
First-year Gabby Goodwin is the assistant sports editor. Her email is ggoodwin@fandm.edu.
Photo courtesy of godiplomats.com