Ravens Soar to New Heights, Shocking Tenth-Ranked Bentley

by Tom Jurkowski
edited by Casey Williams 

The Franklin Pierce Men’s Basketball team stunned nationally-ranked Bentley in Waltham, Massachusetts on Saturday, February 20, defeating the Falcons 72-70. 

Bentley was ranked No. 10 in the nation for Division II Men’s Basketball, with an overall record of 22-3, and 17-3 in the Northeast-10 Conference, entering Saturday’s game. 

“They’ve just had our number for so long it feels good to finally beat them, on their home court with a playoff spot on the line,” said junior Jeff Manchester, who plays shooting guard for the Ravens. 

Franklin Pierce has historically struggled against Bentley. From the 2005 to 2008, the Ravens have an overall record of 0-5 against the Falcons. Prior to Saturdays game they were 0-1 this season in the matchup. 

Junior Kinard Dozier had a team high 27 points in win over Bentley. Photo: Franklin Pierce Athletics

As most of the Raven fans cleared out of Bentley’s Dana Center after the Womens’ nationally-televised game,  Franklin Pierce was left with something to prove. 

“They definitely saved the best game for last,” said Franklin Pierce sophomore BJ Powers, who was in attendance. “They should have televised this one.  It was so much more intense and fun to watch.” 

Although, the game did not start that way for the Ravens.  Franklin Pierce did not score a point until five minutes into the first quarter, when junior Kinard Dozier hit a three-pointer to make it 10-3 Bentley.  By halftime Franklin Pierce was only down by two points. 

Franklin Pierce tied the game up immediately after halftime, and took its first lead of the game three minutes in. The Ravens didn’t slow down after that, extending their lead to as much as 11 points and remaining ahead the rest of the game. 

Dozier made the game-clinching lay-up with 26 seconds left with the score 72-68. Bentley then made it close by knocking down a layup, making the score 72-70. All-American guard Jason Westrol attempted a three-pointer with one second left to win the game, but came up short. The Franklin Pierce fan section cheered along with the basketball team, rushing the center of the court in victory. The Ravens pulled off one of the biggest upsets this 2009-2010 season. 

To stay in the playoff picture, Franklin Pierce looks for another win as they host their last home game of the season on Senior Night. The Ravens will face The University of Massachusetts Lowell, on Wednesday, February 24th, at 7:30 pm at the Fieldhouse.