CALDWELL, N.J.- The Caldwell University men's basketball team fell to Franklin Pierce University 88-66 in a non-conference contest.
 
The Cougars fall to 6-4 overall, while the Ravens improve to 6-3.  
 
Freshman Darnell Evans (Deer Park, N.Y.) and sophomore Mark Heber (Paterson, N.J.) drained a pair of early three-pointers to help the Cougars build a 16-7 lead at the 13:34 mark of the opening half. Franklin Pierce close the gap to 18-12 but Caldwell answered with run. Freshman Kirk Parsons (Newark, N.J.) and Evans drained triples to push the Cougars lead to 24-14 past the midway point of the half.
 
The Ravens rallied back as they pulled even at 33 with 2:47 left in the half. Franklin Pierce outpaced the Cougars over the final two minutes to lead 39-36.
 
Franklin Pierce started off with a run to start the second half, pushing ahead 52-40 at the 14:34 mark. Caldwell trimmed the score to 57-48 following a three-pointer by senior Tyler Washington (Hampton, Ga.) at the 12:41 mark. The Ravens answered to extend their lead to 63-50 midway through the half and maintained their lead down the stretch.
 
Evans led the way with 13 points, five boards, two assists and three steals. Sophomore Jarnel Rancy (Middle Island, N.Y.) added nine points, four rebounds, two assists, two blocks and three steals, while Parson finished with nine points.
 
The Cougars host Adelphi University in a non-conference contest on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:30 pm.