Buffalo, NY-In a game that saw D'Youville claw their way back into contention several times, the Spartans could not overtake visiting Franciscan University and came away on the short end of a 78-66 decision.

Marcus Clarke (Olean. NY/Archbishop Walsh) was the Spartans' leading scorer with 16 points, followed by Jon Gemerek (Depew, NY/Depew) with 15 points.

The visitors opened the game with a 13-0 run and she Spartans then did what they would do all game,  battled back.  In the first-half D'Youville got to within one possession of the lead before trailing by eight at halftime.

D'Youville opened the second-half on a Jake Maryniewski (Depew, NY/Depew)three-ball and a Marcus Clarke old-time three-point play (basket and a foul) to get to within two. Nine times in that half the Spartans would storm back to make it a one possession game but could not break through. 16 of Marcus Clarke's points and nine of Gemerek's came in the second-half

Julian Reed (Cheektowaga, NY/Union-Endicott)added 11 points and 11 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Reed, the AMCC shot block leader, recorded a game-high four blocked shots today.

The Spartans showed off their depth today, with the Spartan reserves outscoring the Franciscan bench 34-14. 11 D'Youville players saw action this afternoon.

Next on the schedule for D'Youville is an AMCC road contest at Pitt-Bradford February 5 at 6:00 p.m.