The Research Triangle Raptors lost against the Franklin Academy Patriots back in January, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Tuesday. Research Triangle fell to Franklin Academy 37-32. Research Triangle has struggled against Franklin Academy recently, as their match on Tuesday was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.
Research Triangle lost despite a true team effort on the offense, the best among them being Cade Wiggins, who scored six points. Another player making a difference was Zain Abdelbaky, who scored nine points.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Franklin Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Hayes Lewis, who dropped a double-double on 12 points and ten rebounds. Lewis also posted two blocks for the first time this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Micah Rutledge, who scored eight points along with 12 rebounds and two blocks.
Research Triangle has been struggling recently as they've lost eight of their last ten games, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-10 record this season. As for Franklin Academy, the victory (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 17-8.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Research Triangle won't have much time to rest: their next match is against NCSSM: Durham at 7:30 p.m. on February 7th. Research Triangle is coming into the contest with three straight defeats at home, meaning NCSSM: Durham will have to defend against a squad hungry for a win. As for Franklin Academy, they won't have much time to rest: their next game is against River Mill at 7:30 p.m. on February 7th. Hopefully Franklin Academy focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 20 on Tuesday.
