Panther men’s basketball will not go undefeated.
After starting their season with five straight nonconference wins, on Dec. 15 Franklin tipped off their Mountain Seven schedule. In a 70-48 loss to powerhouse East Henderson, Doug Plemmons’ team dropped to 5-1 for the season.
Franklin’s shooters looked sharp from behind the arc early, getting 3-pointers from Max McClure, Noah Brannon and Will Rauers. Despite an East full-court press, Jacob Gibson added four points and one assist to end the quarter down 19-16.
The Eagles stymied Franklin’s offense in the second, leading 27-18 with four minutes left in the quarter. The Panthers ended the half down 36-23 despite three steals and five points from Rauers.
Franklin’s offense came back with a vengeance in the third, scoring the half’s first 13 points to tie the game at 36. East scored 16 of the next 18 though, ending the quarter up 52-38.
The Eagles’ offense kept rolling in the fourth, extending their lead to 62-43 with five minutes to play. Franklin was unable to come back and fell 70-48.
After suffering their first loss of the season, Franklin continued their Mountain Seven schedule versus Tuscola Dec. 19. On Dec. 22, they’ll travel to Western Carolina University, where they’ll take on A.C. Reynolds in the Catamount Clash of Conferences.