Lake Forest College Sports Information
February 14, 2004
Contact: Mike Wajerski, SID

Beckford Ties NCAA Division III Record in Triumph Over Grinnell
Team stays alive in Midwest Conference race

Franklyn Beckford had eight dunks on Saturday.
LAKE FOREST, IL - The Lake Forest College men's basketball team routed Grinnell 109-88 in front of a raucous home crowd on Saturday (February 14). The win moved the Foresters' record to one game over .500 (11-10) and 8-6 in Midwest Conference play. The Pioneers fell to 17-5 overall and 10-5 in the league.

Sophomore forward Franklyn Beckford (Jacksonville, IL/Jacksonville) tied an NCCA record for consecutive field goals in a game and field goal percentage going 18-18. He added five free throws to bring his stat line to 41 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Beckford leads the team with 17.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. His most impressive statistic is his season field goal percentage, 62.9 percent.

Junior forward Eric McDonald (Elk Grove, IL/Elk Grove) took advantage of several scoring opportunities finishing with 24 points (12-14) and dishing out seven assists. Sophomore guards Greg Klos (Carol Stream, IL/Glenbard North) and Quentin Spencer (Evergreen Park, IL/Brother Rice) also scored in double figures. Klos only attempted three shots, but made all four of his free throws finishing with 10 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Spencer went 6-7 from the field to tally 12 points and seven rebounds.

Lake Forest took advantage of several uncontested shots shooting 82.5 percent from the field, which is the third highest shooting performance in the program's history. The Forester defense forced a dozen turnovers and out rebounded the Pioneers 44-41.

With the visitors employing their renowned full court defense virtually all game, Lake Forest found ways to beat the press and score. The home team led by as much as 10 in the first half, but a late Grinnell run cut the lead to 50-48 at halftime. Both sides exchanged baskets and the lead early in the second half, but the Foresters outscored the Pioneers 31-13, including an exciting 26-5 run to seal the win.

The win kept Lake Forest in the hunt for the fourth spot in the conference tournament. They are currently a game behind St. Norbert College for the final spot. The Foresters defeated the Green Knights 56-53 in their only match up this season.

The Foresters will cap off their regular season this week with a Wednesday night game (February 18) at Monmouth College (8-13,3-11 MWC), and the team's final home contest on Saturday (February 21) against Lawrence University (18-3, 12-2 MWC).

By Ryan Gallegos

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