Lancaster, PA, (November 20, 2004) – The DeSales University men’s basketball team opened its 2004-05 season with a loss at Franklin & Marshall College, 81-67, on Saturday night in the Mayser Center.

 

        The Diplomats opened up an early 27-10 lead and led by 13 points (44-31) at halftime and pushed the lead to as many as 30 points in the second half to record their first victory of the season.  F&M shot 51.7 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Bulldogs, 35-33.  DSU committed 20 turnovers and shot just 43.1 percent from the field.

 

        Senior Michael Venafra (Belmont Hills, PA/Lower Merion) was the Bulldog in double figures with 17 points on 7-of-15 shooting.  Fellow senior Kevin Welsh (Havertown, PA/Haverford) tied his career-high with nine points and freshman Jamie McCloskey (Newark, DE/St. Mark’s) added eight points off the bench.