Men's Basketball Rallies Past Franklin Pierce, 96-92

PHOTO GALLERY

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Playing at home for the second straight time to begin the new season, the University of Bridgeport's men's basketball team posted a 96-92 win over Franklin Pierce on Sunday. The high-scoring triumph puts the Purple Knights' record at 2-0 as they also took down Mercy on Friday night.

In a tight game that had Franklin Pierce leading for the majority, it was a terrific second half that ultimately propelled UB.

Trailing by eight at the break, the Purple Knights shot 18-of-31 from the field and 21-of-25 from the free-throw line in the second 20 minutes.

After scoring the final two buckets of the first half, Bridgeport outscored Franklin Pierce, 57-45, over the final 20 minutes. All in all, Bridgeport rattled off a 64-48 run over the final 22:20 regulation.

UB's duo of Aliou Cisse and Caleb Jacobs were sensational for the home squad on Sunday.

Cisse racked up a game-high 27 points in 27 minutes of action. He also added eight rebounds and two steals in his second game as a Purple Knight.

Jacobs, meanwhile, locked in a stat line of 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. Jacobs made nine of his 11 attempts from the free-throw line.

Jason Edokpayi joined in with the first double-double of Bridgeport's season. The graduate transfer put up 12 points and a game-best 14 rebounds.

Michel Ndayishimiye served as the Purple Knights' final double-figure scorer with 11 points off the bench.

Bridgeport was able to overcome a 2-for-22 effort from three-point range mainly due to 14 steals, 26 forced turnovers and a rebounding margin of 45-33. The Purple Knights also made 26 free throws.

In their two wins so far this season, UB is averaging 94.5 points per game.

UP NEXT
The Purple Knights will play at AIC on Wednesday night (7:30 p.m.).