Falcons Nipped By Bears, 68-58

Tracy finishes with game-best 23 points in MASCAC setback  

Bridgewater, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University men's basketball team dropped a 68-58 decision to Bears of Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at the Tinsley Center.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 58, Bridgewater State 68
Records: Fitchburg State (7-11, 3-3 MASCAC) | Bridgewater State (12-7, 5-1 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State opened up an 8-5 lead early in the first quarter on a pair of buckets from sophomore Charles Doss (Fitchburg, Mass.) , while junior Noah Fleury (Weymouth, Mass.) and senior Nicholas Tracy (Indianapolis, Ind.) added baskets as well.

Bridgewater State took a 30-23 advantage into the locker room however as freshman Michael Vrabel (Denver, Colo.) knocked down a three ball, while senior Rocky DeAndrade (Mansfield, Mass.) connected on a layup with just over 30 seconds remaining in the half.

Following the intermission, the Falcons cut the deficit to 35-32 after Tracy and junior Jonathan Perez (Lowell, Mass.) converted layups, but the Bears responded with a 9-0 run, capped by a free-throw from sophomore Ryan Carney (Easton, Mass.) for the 46-34 advantage.

The Green and Gold made it an eight point game with just under three minutes left in the second half as Doss knocked down a jumper before Bridgewater State secured the win on a Carney layup, resulting in the 68-58 final.

Inside the Numbers,

95th meeting between the two schools on the basketball court with the Falcons 28-67 all-time when taking on the Bears.

Fitchburg State had won three of the last four matchups with Bridgewater State, including an 81-78 decision in the last meeting (2/4/17) at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

Fitchburg State was led by Tracy with a game-leading 23 points and seven boards, while Perez added ten points and four boards.

For Bridgewater State, Carney finished with a team-best 15 points and two rebounds, while DeAndrade chipped in 15 points and three boards.

Fitchburg State shot 22-for-62 (35.5%) from the field and (3-of-16) 18.8% from beyond the arc.

Bridgewater State went 22--for-56 (39.9%) overall and (8-of-24) 33.3% from three point range.

The Bears finished with a narrow 43-40 margin on the boards, while the Falcons turned 21 Bear turnovers into 18 points on the offensive end.

Up Next

Falcons will visit the Rams of Framingham State on Saturday for a MASCAC contest starting at 3:00 P.M. Bears will host the Blazers of Elms College on Monday for a non-conference matchup at 7:00 P.M.