Worcester State Holds Off Fitchburg State, 90-80

Falcons have five in double-digits scorers in tough MASCAC setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. (January 20, 2009) - Senior Brian Skiffington (North Adams, Mass./Hoosac Valley) collected a season-high 19 points as Fitchburg State fell to MASCAC rival Worcester State College, 90-80 this evening.

BRIAN SKIFFINTON

Skiffington led the Falcons attack on 5-of-10 shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from three point range and 5-of-6 from the charity stripe. Junior Tim Graham (Arlington, Mass./Arlington Catholic) was also solid for Fitchburg State with 15 points and three rebounds, while senior Brian Torres (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth), classmate Jeff Kozik (Auburn, Mass./Auburn) and junior Jonathan Evans (Shrewsbury, Mass./Shrewsbury) each tallied 12 points.

Junior Maurice Horton (Detroit, Mich./Burncoat) added to his conference leading points total with a game-high 26 points and nine rebounds, while shooting 7-of-11 from the field. Junior Brandon Fortes (Pawtucket, R.I./Marianapolis) was also strong for the Lancers, netting 20 points with a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Classmate Elijah Sims (Worcester, Mass./Sumpter) rounded out the Lancers big three with 16 points and four boards.

Both teams battled in the first half with 13 lead exchanges, but Fitchburg State gained a slim two point advantage at the break (45-43). The Falcons grabbed a nine point lead (36-27) with 5:41 remaining in the period as Skiffington capped a 15-6 run with two consecutive free-throws, but Worcester State rallied back, posting a 16-9 scoring surge to close out the half.

Worcester State opened the second half with an 11-4 run to grab a 59-51 advantage with 11:45 remaining in regulation. Fitchburg State brought the contest to a 66-66 deadlock moments later as Torres and Skiffington connected for three consecutive three-pointers at the 5:29 mark, but the Lancers closed the period strong, hitting their final 20-of-21 free-throws to secure their third conference victory of the season.

Fitchburg State (5-8, 0-3 MASCAC) will be in action again on Thursday as it travels to Salem State College at 8 p.m. Worcester State (9-7, 3-1 MASCAC) will travel to Bridgewater State on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

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Worcester State 90 , Fitchburg State 80