(QUEEN CREEK, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian fell to Benjamin Franklin 65-51 on the road on Monday evening. The Knights struggled to find a rhythm in the contest, shooting 34 percent from the field and just 23 percent from three-point range. Sophomore Unesu Machiri scored 30 points on 9-for-23 shooting in the affair.

"To simply say that we didn't play well tonight would discredit Ben Franklin and the job they did," Head Coach Mark Duitsman said. "They brought the fight to us in every aspect and deserved to win. We are learning every time we step on the court, myself included. This is only a failure if we don't learn from it. I love this group and I know that we will respond in the right way."

The Knights struggled to take care of the ball in the game, turning the ball over 33 times in 32 minutes of play. Nearly half (30) of the Charger's points came off of GCHS turnovers.

Machiri and junior Melissa Johnson managed seven and four steals, respectively, to lead the Knights, and freshman Alyssa Cervantez dished four of the team's eight assists on the night.

With the loss, Gilbert Christian drops to 2-1 on the season.

The Knights return to action on Friday, December 15th in the Holiday Hoops Payson Invitational, against Walden Grove. The 4:00pm match-up will be played at Payson High School.

-GO KNIGHTS-