This game is probably one of the best games the Barons had at home since February 24, 2021 when sophomore, now redshirt senior, Josh Zimmerman hit the game winning layup against Saint Vincent as time expired.
The Barons needed a win desperately because of back to back losses against Thiel and Bethany college. The whole basketball squad despises Grove City College and they had the date November 21 circled on their calendar ever since the schedule came out. They view Grove City as the British Red Coats and themselves as the Americans from the American Revolution. This metaphor gave the Barons team a lot of energy and got them pumped up to face their rival. This young Barons squad needed a morale and energy booster and after this Grove City game, I think this team found their identity.
The Barons started the game firing on all cylinders. This season the Barons usually started off each game really slow. But not against the Wolverines. Coach Wallace was very proud of his team on how they responded and how they were tough and resilient against a gritty Wolverine squad.
Freshman Sawyer Butler lead the Barons in scoring with a career high 30 points.
There were two stars of the show for the Barons. This first and most obvious is freshman Sawyer butler. He lead the Barons with a career high 30 points and had three rebounds. He also had eight steals, which is a Franciscan single game record. Butler came into the game averaging 15.5 points per game and 6 rebounds per game. Butler is a huge part of this Barons offense and it was felt during the game against the Grove City Wolverines on Tuesday.
The other star of the show was not expected at all. Nicholas Allienello played amazing for the Barons. He also came up super clutch as well. Allienello came into the game averaging 12 points per game and five rebounds per game. Down by two with 17 seconds remaining, Allienello hit a corner three to give the Barons a lead by one with 10 seconds left on the clock. Allienello has been struggling shooting wise this season so far but after Tuesday night, it looks like he found his stroke and found his mojo.
The Barons next opponent is against Geneva College on Wednesday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. They come into the game with a overall record of 2-3 and a conference record of 1-2. Geneva College is 5-1 overall and has a conference record of 3-0. Geneva is currently ranked second in the conference while Franciscan is eighth.
Senior Nicholas Allienello hit the go-ahead three with 10 seconds remaining on the clock to give the Barons a one point lead.
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