FRANKLIN, Mass. – The Rivier men's basketball team fell to Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opponents Dean Saturday afternoon at Pieri Gymnasium in their conference opener.

With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 7-7 (0-1 GNAC), while the Bulldogs improved to 11-3 (1-0 GNAC).

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Rivier opened the scoring, as senior Robenson Baguidy cashed on the early and-one opportunity to take a 3-0 just 27 seconds into the game.
• Both teams traded baskets following the opening score, but Dean began to find its offensive rhythm and build separation.
• The Bulldogs went on a 23-9 run and took a commanding 32-14 lead just shy of the midway point of the first half.
• The Raiders started to chip away at Dean's lead late in the frame, cutting their deficit to 12 with heading into halftime. Sophomore Steph Barnes contributing eight points over that stretch.  
• Dean continued to surge offensively coming out of the break, increasing their lead to 19 with 17:14 to play.
• Rivier sparked a 15-6 run at the 14:47 mark of the second half that began with senior Izaiah Shaw-Glen knocking down a jumper and finished with Baguidy cashing in on a layup to bring the Raiders within 10, 69-59.
• The Bulldogs regained momentum once more, maintaining a double-digit lead to the three-minute mark of the second half.
• The Raiders chipped away in the final minutes of play, cutting the deficit to six with 1:27 to go.
• Despite the comeback bid, Dean hit key free throws down the stretch to secure the 89-78 victory.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

• Baguidy led the offense with 27 points, adding three rebounds.
• Shaw-Glen and Barnes followed close behind with 15 and 12 points respectively.
• First-year Daylen Dalcour controlled the glass for Rivier, recording nine total rebounds, eight of which were off the offensive glass.

UP NEXT
The Raiders return to the court Wednesday, Jan. 14 for a GNAC matchup with Norwich. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at the Muldoon Center.