Francis Marion University's Men's Basketball team lost to Barton College after a 24-0 run by Barton erased a 16-point lead held by the Patriots, with Barton claiming a 70-67 victory in the Atlantic Casualty Insurance Conference Carolinas Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal. Senior guard Tionne Rollins led FMU with 17 points, while Bryce Beamer scored 13 and grabbed nine rebounds. The Patriots, ending the season at 15-13, saw a strong performance from freshman point guard Horaces Jacques Jr. with 12 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

By the Numbers
  • Barton had a 24-0 run in the second half to secure the win.
  • Tionne Rollins of FMU finished his career with 1,269 points, 326 assists, and 165 steals.
  • Bryce Beamer tallied 1,100 points and 473 rebounds during his time with the Patriots.
State of Play
  • Francis Marion initially held a strong lead, but Barton's second-half performance turned the game around.
  • Barton College utilized a zone defense in the second half which troubled FMU's offense.
  • FMU Coach Jake Zehnder praised the team's resilience despite the loss, highlighting the growth and potential within the team.
Bottom Line

The Patriots were unable to maintain their lead against Barton College, showcasing the importance of adaptability and defensive strategies in high-stakes games. While the loss marks the end of their season, the team's ability to stay competitive and the promising performances of individual players suggest a bright future for Francis Marion University's basketball program.