Men's Basketball debuts 14-15 season with two losses on the weekend

Memphis, Tenn. - Fontbonne University men's basketball opened their 2014-15 season this weekend taking on Hendrix College on Saturday and Rhodes College on Sunday.

Hendrix edged Fontbonne in free throws, taking the game 68-66. The Griffins held the upper hand in every other shooting category. Sophomore Garrett McDowell led Fontbonne with 13 points and 5 rebounds off the bench. Junior Darius Rucker aided with 12 points while senior Evan Johnson and junior Richard Dorhaur recorded 10 points each.

Fontbonne struggled on Sunday against Rhodes. The Griffins found themselves trailing 20-38 at halftime and put forth a strong effort in the end, ultimately running out of time for a comeback win. In the first eight minutes of the second half, the Griffins scored just three points while Rhodes led 50-23 with 11:31 remaining. Fontbonne scored seven unanswered points while Rhodes responded with six straight points themselves. Down 22 points, with four minutes to go, Fontbonne put up 12 stright points to pull within 12 points (52-63) with 1:19 left in the game. The Griffins ultimately fell 54-67.

Freshman Colin Schirmer roped in 11 points and four rebounds after making five of seven shot attempts from the field. Dorhaurer tallied nine points, five rebounds and four assists against the Lynx. Johnson ended the game with nine points and five rebounds while Rucker contributed with eight rebounds, four points and three steals.

Rucker led the Griffins on the weekend, totaling 16 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Johnson finished with 18 points and nine rebounds with Dorhaurer adding 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Fontbonne University men's basketball hosts Elmhurst College this Saturday in the Griffins' home opener. Tipoff is slated for 3pm in the Dunham Student Activity Center.