Falcons Edged By Trailblazers, 80-78

Fitchburg, Mass. – The sixth seeded Falcons of Fitchburg State dropped an 80-78 decision to the third seeded Trailblazers of MCLA in quarterfinal round action of the 2019-20 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Men's Basketball post-season tournament this evening from the Amsler Center.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State University 78, MCLA 80
Records: Fitchburg State (9-17, 3-9 MASCAC) | MCLA (15-10, 7-5 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State raced out to an early 8-3 margin on a trio of layups from senior Nicholas Tracy (Indianapolis, Ind.) and a bucket by sophomore Devon Johnson (Washington, D.C.) before MCLA knotted the score at 10-10 on a Chris Becker (Lake George, N.Y.) jumper.

The Green and Gold went on an 8-0 run, capped by Tracy three-ball for the 18-10 edge, but the Trailblazers responded with a three pointer of their own from junior Noah Yearsley (Averill Park, N.Y) to cut the lead to 18-15.

Fitchburg State extend their lead (24-17) as Tracy collected a layup before MCLA trimmed the lead to 31-28 when junior Hayden Bird (Clarksburg, Mass.) registered a basket. The visitors pushed their advantage to 40-33 on baskets by freshman Keegan Sharp (Townsend, Mass.) and senior Jordan Jones (Worcester, Mass.), but the hosts chipped the lead to just two (40-38) with junior Marius Turner (Hampton, Va.) drilling a trey just before halftime.

Following the break, Fitchburg State upped its margin (46-38) on a pair of buckets from Jones and a Xavier Betancourt (Tampa, Fla.) jumper. Worcester State battled back, cutting the lead to 63-61 on a Yeadsley three pointer, but Sharp hit a layup to push the lead back to 65-61.

The Falcons answered back with layup from junior Charles Doss (Fitchburg, Mass.) (68-63), before the Lancers knotted the score at 71-71 as Becker picked up an and one. The two teams traded the lead down the stretch as Tracy hit layup with just over a minute remaining in regulation for Fitchburg State.

MCLA would tie the contest with 41 seconds remaining on a Yearsley free throw to make the score 78-78. The Green and Gold had a chance to regain the lead, but a Tracy jumper rimmed out, allowing the Trailblazers the opportunity for the last shot, while Becker delivered with a layup, resulting in the 80-78 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Falcons were led by Tracy with a game-best 26 points, eight boards, three assists, two steals and one block
• Jones finished with a career high 25 points, eight caroms, one steal and two blocks for Fitchburg State
• Yearsley registered a team-best 23 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal for the Trailblazers
• Becker added 13 points and five boards for MCLA
• 103rd meeting between two schools with Falcons 48-59 all-time vs the Trailblazers
• Fitchburg State shot 33-for-65 (50.8%) from the field and (4-for-11) 36.4% from three point land
• MCLA finished 28-of-61 (45.9%) overall and (11-for-21) 52.4% from beyond the arc
• Fitchburg  State held a 38-33 margin on the glass

Up Next

Falcons conclude their season with an overall record of 9-17 and a 3-9 clip in the MASCAC. Trailblazers advance to the MASCAC semifinals and will travel to the second seeded Lancers of Worcester State on Thursday for at a time to be determined.