Worcester State Ousts Fitchburg State, 72-64

London posts fourth double-double of season as Falcons fall in MASCAC Quarterfinals

WORCESTER, Mass. (February 23, 2010) - Senior Colin London (Worcester, Mass./Doherty) registered season-highs in both points and rebounds but it wasn't enough as Fitchburg State fell to Worcester State, 72-64 in quarterfinal action of the MASCAC Tournament this evening. 

Fitchburg State concludes its 2009-10 season with an overall record of 8-18 and a 3-9 mark in the MASCAC, while Worcester State (13-13, 5-7 MASCAC) advances to the semifinal round at Bridgewater State this Thursday.

London ended his collegiate career with a season-best performance, posting his fourth double-double of the year. The senior guard led all scorers with 28 points and 13 rebounds, while junior Robert Hopkins (East Hartford, Conn./RHAM) aided the Falcons attack with 17 points on 5-of-10 from three point range

Fitchburg State raced out to an early 37-26 lead after one period play as Hopkins collected all of his 17 points in the first frame. The first year guard connected on 60% of his first half shots, draining 5-of-8 from long range and 6-of-10 from the floor to give the Falcons an offensive boost.

Hopkins broke open a 16-16 deadlock at the midway point of the first half, connecting on three consecutive treys to spark a Fitchburg State 14-4 run. The Falcons maintained their double-digit through the intermission as London answered the Worcester State attack with 13 straight points to close out the half.   

In the second half, Worcester State quickly battled back, taking advantage of some Falcons cold shooting to cut the Fitchburg State lead to only one (39-38) at 13:39. The Lancers opened the half with a 12-2 surge and later grabbed a two point advantage as Tim Henault (Lunenberg, Mass./Saint Bernards) capped an 18-4 explosion with a shot from downtown.

Worcester State began to stretch its lead over the final minutes, taking advantage of some stellar inside play by senior Maurice Horton (Detroit, Mich./Burncoat). Horton paced the Lancers second half comeback with 15 points in the frame, while Pat Hamilton (Templeton, Mass./Narragansett) and Henault each tallied eight apiece. London led the Falcons with 12 points in the period, but Worcester State's, 44.4% shooting and 19 points off turnovers proved to be the difference.

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Worcester State 72, Fitchburg State 64