TIFFIN, Ohio — After leading by five points at halftime, the Red Wolves could not overcome the last minute of the game where Albion scored seven straight points, taking the game 89-82.
The Red Wolves (0-3) outscored the Britons 48-43 in the first half. With the half just under five minutes,
Kasen Metzger hit back-to-back free throws to take the 37-36 lead. For the rest of the half, Saint Francis did not let Albion (2-1) regain the lead.
Senior guard
Trey Weiand registered 18 points, three rebounds, and two blocks to lead the Red Wolves.
Damian Harrison put up 17 points, two rebounds, and two blocks off the bench.
Saint Francis once again set the tone early with its full-court press, forcing Albion to commit a turnover and giving
Jovany Philistin a steal. Weiand had a 15-foot jumper to put Saint Francis on the board first.
The Britons regrouped after the initial media timeout going on a 5-0 run. Three of Kurtis Rhodes' game high 20 points came from that run. However, Philistin had an answer, hitting a three pointer while Metzger had a short jumper in the paint to bring the score 13 all. Weiand assisted
Taurean Consiglio in the corner with a deep three to take the lead.
Albion capitalized on offensive rebounds nabbing 21 of its total 49, giving them 18 second chance points. Even though Saint Francis shot 48.04% from the field and 40% from behind the arc, Albion found a way to the basket.
"Credit to Albion. They were all over the glass and that was the difference in the game, " Head Coach
Luke McConnell said.
Saint Francis came out with energy in the second half, but so did Albion. Both teams went back-and-forth, with the lead never going past four points. Weiand, Harrison,
Jayden Smothers,
Alex Griggs, and
Koy McGough all aided in the exchange of points.
Mason Douglas threw in 11 points for the Red Wolves, shooting 40% from the field and 50% from behind the arc. Consiglio recorded 10 points.
"Incredibly proud of our group. A lot of adversity came our way tonight and they were relentless in their effort. I love coaching this group and look forward to our next opportunity tomorrow against a very good Heidelberg team," said McConnell.
Saint Francis returns to action tomorrow to face Heidelberg for its second match up of the Ron Linhart Memorial Classic. The game starts at 5:00 p.m. in Tiffin, Ohio.
