Falcons Rally Past Lions In Non-Conference Action

Quincy, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University Men's Basketball team defeated the Lions of Eastern Nazarene, 69-68 this evening in non-conference action from the Lahue Athletic Center.      

Score: Fitchburg State 69, Eastern Nazarene 68

Fitchburg State (5-6, 0-0 MASCAC), Eastern Nazarene (6-8, 0-0 NECC)

How It Happened

1st half

Fitchburg State opened the contest with a 12-4 edge on a bucket from junior Javon Taylor (Cambridge, Mass.) before Eastern Nazarene answered with a three ball by sophomore Kobe Jones (Picayune, Miss.) to make the score 12-7.

The Green and Gold upped the lead to 21-15 when Taylor drained a three pointer midway through the first half, but the Lions responded with a Bernie McGuinness (Cummings, Ga.) tip in to reduce the lead to 21-18.

The Falcons extended the advantage to 28-18 on baskets from Taylor and senior Tajahn Joyner (Amherst, Mass.) before Eastern Nazarene trimmed the deficit to 38-35 just before the half as McGuinness knocked down a three pointer.

2nd Half

Following the intermission, Eastern Nazarene grabbed the 39-38 margin with senior Levi White (Springfield, Mass.) and McGuinness connecting on jumpers, but Fitchburg State took the lead back (40-39) on a Quincy Taylor (Boston, Mass.) layup.

The Lions regained the lead as White, McGuinness and junior JaWaun Moore (Dayton, Ohio) connected on baskets for the 48-42 edge. The Falcons took the lead back (51-50) as newcomer Tyrone Manderson (Saugus, Mass.) sank a three pointer before Eastern Nazarene grabbed its largest lead of the nigh (60-53) with Jones hitting a three ball.

Fitchburg State rallied again to retie the contest at 67-67 with sophomore Frederick Siayor (Worcester, Mass.) knocking down a three pointer from the elbow, but Eastern Nazarene grabbed a 68-67 lead when McGuinness hit one of two from the charity stripe. The Green and Gold secured the victory though when Q. Taylor hit a layup with 54 seconds remaining in the contest, resulting in the 69-68 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Falcons were paced by Q. Taylor with a game best 25 points, 21 rebounds, one assist and two blocks
• J. Taylor added 21 points, ten caroms, one assist and three steals              
• For the Lions, McGuinnes finished with 22 points, 17 boars, one assist, one steal and one block      
• Jones chipped in with 13 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals  
• Fourth meeting between the Lions and Falcons on the Hardwood with Fitchburg State 3-1 all-time when taking on Eastern Nazarene
• Fitchburg State shot 27-for-79(34.6%) from the field and (5-0f-28) 17.9% from three point range

Eastern Nazarene finished 24-of-62 (38.7%) overall and (8-for-26) 30.8% for beyond the arc

• Falcons held a narrow 57-45 margin on the glass

Up Next

Falcons return to action on Saturday as they host the Trailblazers of MCLA for a MASCAC matchup starting at 12:00 PM.