Both teams delivered exactly what was expected, a fast-paced game of basketball.
The Wildcats, however, were able to build a strong lead and maintain it throughout the game.
At tip-off, Russellville managed to get the ball and Jordan Hinton made a promising start for the Panthers by scoring a basket from down low, followed by a three pointer.
Just as quickly as the Panthers had taken the initial lead, the Wildcats came back with three back-to-back field goals.
Hinton and Jerrell Mayo scored two more baskets for the Panthers; however Franklin proved to be very strong down low.
During the second period the Wildcats' offense thrived. They scored several straight points, allowing themselves a sturdy hold on the Panthers.
Russellville took a needed timeout and resumed, determined to decrease the deficit.
Hinton, Tyler Meacham, and Charleston Sydnor scored three consecutive baskets for the Panthers.
As both teams left the court for halftime, Russellville was behind Franklin 19-33.
The Panthers returned to the floor with hopes of holding the Wildcats enough to catch up and taking the lead.
Panther Justin Rust immediately scored a three-pointer, although the officials ruled that a foul had been made by Mayo and the basket wasn't counted.
Hinton made up for the call by sinking a three on the following Russellville possession.
Franklin didn't like the looks of Russellville's momentum, and once again began to take a strong lead over the Panthers.
Hinton made a strong effort to keep up with the Wildcats by scoring two straight baskets.
At the end of the third quarter the Panthers were thrown off by a call that was made and strongly disagreed with by Russellville fans.
A technical foul was called, but the Panthers continued on displaying a strong effort.
By the fourth period, Franklin pulled away with several fast breaks downcourt to get points from inside.
With only a couple minutes left in the game all starters came out and the JV finished the game for the Panthers.
They were able to stir up a few last minute baskets, including a three-pointer made by Sydnor.
At the end of the game Russellville had fallen short of Franklin 68-39.
The Panthers will meet the Wildcats once again with a home-court advantage on Feb. 6.
Score by quarters: 1) F-S 17-10, 2) 33-19, 3) 55-28, Final) Franklin-Simpson 68, Russellville 39
RHS (39) Jordan Hinton 16, Jerrell Mayo 13, Charleston Sydnor 5, Donnie Bigbee 2, Damien Elam 2, Tyler Meacham 1, Kennedy, Rust, Pardue, Clark, Smith, Watkins, Murphy
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