TERRE HAUTE
Senior Trae Washington rimmed out a potential game-winning 3-point field-goal attempt as the Franklin College men’s basketball team lost an 82-80 road contest at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action Wednesday.
The Grizzlies used an 18-6 run midway through the second half to take a 72-71 lead. Franklin trailed 65-54 at the 11:13 mark.
A 3-pointer by junior Brett McCory cut the deficit to four points, 69-65, with 7:57 remaining.
A layup by Washington brought the visitors within 71-70 with 6:57 left. Franklin took its first lead of the second half on a pair of free throws by Washington at the 4:45 mark.
Later, two free throws by Charlie Aimone put Rose-Hulman ahead 77-74 with 2:05 left. A three-point play by Washington squared the contest, 75-75, at the 1:40 mark. Rose-Hulman regained the lead on the following possession on a layup by Matt Loesing.
A 3-pointer by junior Trey Boles put Franklin ahead 80-79 with 21 seconds left. However, Aimone connected on a 3-pointer with five seconds left to give the hosts the eventual 82-80 lead.
Junior Aaron Mann scored a career-high 31 points to lead the offensive attack. Washington contributed in 26 points. McCory added seven points and seven rebounds.
Franklin trailed 45-37 at the break and made 18 of 21 free throw attempts during the second-half rally.
Franklin returns to action at 3 p.m. Saturday when it travels to Earlham College.
