Jan. 16, 2008

Box Score

LANCASTER, Pa. - Freshmen James McNally and Mike Baker combined for 33 points and 12 rebounds to lead Franklin & Marshall over Haverford 75-64 in Centennial Conference (CC) men's basketball action.

The Diplomats (9-5, 4-3 CC) shot 65 percent in the second half and used a 12-3 run in the final 4:48 of the game to pull away from the Fords (4-9, 2-5 CC) for their sixth straight victory and eighth overall in the Mayser Center.

McNally recorded 18 points and five boards, while Baker shot 87.5 percent from the field (7-for-8) for 15 points. Baker also added seven rebounds and three steals. Mitch Rhyner chipped in 12 points, including nine in the second half.

Chaz Thomas paced Haverford with 19 points, three assists and three steals. Matt Palmer and Sam Permutt tallied 10 points apiece.

F&M held a slight lead throughout the second half, but the Fords managed to get within one on five occasions with the last coming off a Palmer three-pointer to make it 62-61 with 5:04 left.

McNally started the run, hitting the back end of two from the line followed by a pull-up jumper from Anthony Brooks. Rhyner knocked in a three for a 68-63 lead.

Baker completed the seven straight points by the Diplomats with a jumper before Ben McDowell hit a free throw to end Haverford's three-minute scoring draught.

F&M was sent to the line four times in the final 1:28, going 5-for-7 while the Fords went 0-for-3 from the floor to secure the win.

In a tightly contested first half, both teams shot 57.7 percent from the floor and exchanged the lead eight times to reach a 36-all deadlock at intermission.

Brandon Chasen put the Diplomats ahead 28-21 with 7:25 to play, but Haverford scored eight unanswered points for a 29-28 edge.

Baker connected on a jumper and Chris Sullivan scored F&M's next five points for a 35-34 lead. Two free throws by McDowell and one from Daniel Selig were the final plays of the first half to make it even at 36.

The Diplomats return to action on Saturday against Muhlenberg. Game time is 4 p.m.