NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. - Franklin College's strong offensive start in the first half helped them edge out a close win over Manchester University by a final score of 85-82 in men's basketball action Wednesday, February 7.
 
The Grizzlies got off a to 5-0 start before the Spartans were able to tie the score at 7-7 from a Zach Sawyer (Columbus, Ohio, Bishop Watterson)jumper. Franklin's offensive efficiency continued as they took back the lead and made it 32-18 with 5:57 on the clock. The Spartans were able to pick up momentum tying the game once again 39-39 with 39 seconds to play in the first half. Franklin responded, taking a 42-39 lead going into halftime.
 
Franklin extended their lead to 70-55 with 7:07 on the clock in the second half. Manchester would respond, cutting the lead to one, making it 83-82 with 0:05 left. The Grizzlies would hang on to win 85-82 and improve to 12-10, 10-5 in HCAC play.

As a team, Manchester shot 40.6% (26-64) from the floor on Wednesday night. Franklin shot 51.9% (28-54). Both teams had 32 rebounds on the night. 
 
The Spartans were led by Zach Sawyer and Bryant Smith (West Lafayette, Ind., Harrison) with 26 points apiece. Sawyer also had a team-high five assists, while Smith led with nine rebounds. Senior guard Carson Huber (Anderson, Ind., Lapel) also scored in double-digits, coming off the bench with 10 points and three steals. Manchester fell to 13-9 overall and 10-5 in conference play. 
 
Up next Manchester men's basketball will travel to Transylvania University on Saturday, February 10. Spartans will tip-off against Transylvania at 3:00 p.m. in Lexington, Ky.