Box Score 

HAVERFORD, Pa. – Haverford picked up a 63-53 victory over Franklin & Marshall in Centennial Conference (CC) men's basketball action Wednesday evening. The Diplomats fall to 7-9, 3-6 CC, while the Fords improved to 12-4, 7-4 CC.

The Fords took an early 8-2 lead three minutes into the game. Four points from Justin Kupa led F&M on an 8-0 run to put the Diplomats ahead 10-8, and a jumper by Brian Hines at 9:54 put F&M up 14-13. The Fords answered with an 8-0 run for a 22-14 lead, but the Diplomats slowly chipped away and a free throw by Ignas Slyka brought F&M within a point, 26-25, with 36 ticks on the clock. Haverford netted the final two on the half for a 28-25 lead at the break.

F&M opened the second with an 8-2 spurt to go ahead three, 33-30, but the Fords quickly countered with a 6-0 run to retake the lead. A foul shot by Les Thomas brought F&M within one, 36-35, before Haverford outscored the Diplomats 11-2 over the next few minutes for a 10-point lead, 47-37, at 9:41. The Diplomats cut into lead multiple times, coming within four, 49-45, at 4:24 and Thomas made it a two-possession game, 55-49, when hit a free throw with a little less than a minute to play. The Fords scored four straight and went 4-for-4 from the stripe in the final 12 seconds to secure the win.

Justin Kupa led the Diplomats with 18 points, while Ignas Slyka and Brian Hines both chipped in 11 points each.

F&M had a slight edge in shooting percentage, 41%-40%, while the Fords held a 34-28 advantage in rebounds.

The Diplomats return to action on Saturday when F&M travels to Ursinus for a 3:00 p.m. contest.