ASTON, Pa. – The Neumann University men's basketball team dropped an 84-68 decision against Franklin & Marshall College in a non-conference game on Thursday night, ending a three-game winning streak.
 
Franklin & Marshall came out the gate fast with an early 5-0 lead just 29 seconds into the game, causing a Neumann timeout. After the Diplomats hit a three-pointer, the Knights got on the board to settle themselves down. Both teams traded quick runs for most of the half as Neumann wouldn't let Franklin & Marshall pull away, nor could they pull closer than five points. At the 7:50 mark, Neumann got within four with an 8-2 run, making it 31-27 with 6:19 left. From there, the Diplomats went on an 11-point surge, and after three free throws by the Knights, they trailed 42-30.
 
In the second half, Neumann started to claw back with four points over the first two minutes, but like the first half, the Knights were kept at arm's length, staying 10 points back. With 11:27 left in regulation, the Diplomats scored the next eight points to take a 20-point advantage. The Knights were unable to break back into the game, but they scored the last six points of the game.
 
DJ Earl led the Neumann attack with 17 points, Mike Smith, III had 12 points and TJ Lewis had 11.
 
Neumann (7-4) will try to get back in the win column on Saturday when they visit Haverford College in another non-conference game. The opening tip is scheduled for 2:00 PM.