Franciscan 68, Denison 54
Franciscan Starters
Sophie LaRose, Chiara MacGillivray, Jazzlyn Melnyk, Lauren Arena, Madison Doan
Denison Starters
Goodman, Westmeyer, Elliott, Carpenter, Wynn
How It Happened
In their last game at Steubenville High School, the Barons fell to Denison University 54-68. After winning their first game of the season, Franciscan have now lost three straight, currently sitting at an 0-2 record in the PAC. Recently, the Barons have struggled to overcome their opponents because of numerous turnovers, weak rim protection, and sparse shooting. Many of these problems persisted in this game. Fortunately, the Barons are continuing to look better every game, and this losing streak will not faze them from attacking their next opponent.
The game plan was simple: let Madison Doan go to work. The sophomore center is averaging 15.5 points per game this season, a large improvement from last year's 11.9 points per game. 2 minutes in, Doan put the first points on the board for the Barons. Denison responded with an 8-0 run, mostly from transition layups. 3 minutes left in the quarter, and the Barons were saved by an unexpected hero: Kylie Panizza. The freshman guard came off the bench and brought renewed energy to the offense, scoring two straight buckets, and forcing a Denison timeout.
In the second quarter, Madison Doan was on fire, scoring 10 points on the low block. After a three from Jazzlyn Melnyk, the Barons ended the first half only down 6. The third quarter started with elite shooting from Jazzlyn Melnyk, who knocked down two more triples. Ilena Gonzales chipped in a midrange jumper along with another three pointer. Despite the offense running smoothly, the deficit continued to remain. Now, it was all about the fourth quarter.
During crunch time, the Barons struggled to make any baskets. Denison scored 12 unanswered points, ballooning their lead to 18 points. Madison Doan was able to end the run with a layup, but it was already too late.
Despite the loss, the Barons significantly improved on some of the problems that have been plaguing them in the past. The team shot less contested threes and focused on getting better looks. Madison Doan had another monster game, finishing with a season high 22 points, along with 3 blocks and 3 steals. Jazzlyn Melnyk had 14 points with an efficient 4-7 from three. Kylie Panizza was a bright spot on the bench, scoring a career high 9 points. The Barons are starting to utilize their depth while enabling their stars to shine. Now, the Barons will play three conference games away before returning home on December 10.
Inside the Numbers
- The Barons gave up 21 offensive rebounds
- Madison Doan's 22 points and 3 blocks were a game highs
- The Barons shot 27.8% from 3pt
- Doan and Melnyk led the Barons with 7 rebounds a piece
Up Next
Franciscan re-enters PAC conference play next Wednesday, as they enjoy some time off for Thanksgiving break. They will travel to Grove City then to take on the Wolverines. Franciscan is 1-8 all-time against Grove City with them being on the wrong sid of the last seven matchups. The Barons look to change that narrative next week with a strong showing at Grove City.
Original source can be found here.
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