FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Otterbein men's basketball team started the 2018-19 season by falling, 84-77, to Franklin Friday night inside the Spurlock Center.

The Cardinals were paced by Eddie Anders and Jay Joseph who each tallied 17 points off of the bench, as Maurice Beavers added 15 of his own. Danny Goggans of Franklin led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 6 of 10 from the field and 10 of 12 from the charity stripe.

Otterbein held an early 25-18 lead following an Anders jump shot, however Franklin would immediately respond by going on an 11-2 run to regain the lead.

Both squads would continue to trade baskets, as the Grizzles owned a 45-37 edge at the break. Anders recorded all 17 of his points in the first 20 minutes, including four three-pointers. Franklin shot an impressive 73 percent from the floor before the intermission.

The second half would follow a similar script, as Otterbein continuously fought back and nearly held the lead but the Grizzles maintained control the entire time. The Cardinals trailed by just three, at 53-50 following a pair of free throws by newcomer Jay Joseph at the 15:19 mark.

Unfortunately, Franklin countered with a quick 8-0 run in a minute span to bump the lead into double digits. The host Grizzles held their largest lead of the game, 12 points, multiple times in the second half.

Beavers and Joseph combined for 28 points by connecting on six three-pointers in the second period. Franklin cooled off in the second half and finished the game shooting 57 percent from the field, while Otterbein buried 12 threes.  

Otterbein will have its home opener Tuesday against conference opponent Marietta at 7 p.m.