Wheaton Slips Past Fitchburg State, 76-75

Burgos leads Falcons with 16 points in non-conference setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The Fitchburg State men's basketball team dropped a closely contested non-conference battle against the Lyons of Wheaton College 76-75 this evening at Parkinson Gymnasium.

The Lyon's led the game to the tune of nine three-pointers en route to their fifth victory of the season, edging the home team by the slight one point margin.

Action began early and following consecutive turnovers from the home team it was junior Jaleel Bell who got the first points on the board for the Falcons sparking an 8-3 scoring run in the process.

Wheaton quickly responded with 9:53 in the half, taking their first lead (16-15) of the contest with the help of a 13-8 drive marked by a pair of treys from sophomore Ryan Fogarty and classmate Liam Bruno.

The two teams continued to jockey for control, going back and forth during a nine minute stretch with the Lyon's controlling a 20 to 14 run to close out the half with the lead 36-29.

The Green and Gold returned to the court following the break as junior Leonny Burgos went coast-to-coast on a steal and layup to spark a 9-2 run for the Fitchburg State to knot the score at 38-28 with Burgos scoring five of the Falcons nine points during the stretch.

Midway through the second frame, Wheaton got out to an 11 point lead, their largest of the contest, as four three pointers in four possessions highlighted a 12-5 Lyon's drive. But with 7:46 left in the contest Fitchburg State battled back, getting to within just two points (66-64) during a three minute 10 point span.

After Wheaton College knocked down a pair of free throws, putting their lead back at four (68-64), the hosts answered  with jumpers from sophomore Josh Bosworth and junior Lance Hill working their way back to tie the game at 68 apiece.

In the final two minutes the Green and Gold took their first lead of the half when Hill maneuvered into the paint completing his contested drive to the rim for two points. Before the Lyons reclaimed the lead following a foul freshman Matt Allegrezza drained both shots from the charity stripe to take a 76-75 advantage.

Fitchburg State had an opportunity to win the game in the closing moments with senior Kwame Lee fighting to get off a quality final look, having his attempt bounce off the rim and into the hands of Bosworth, who got off a last second jumper at the buzzer, resulting in the 76-75 final.

Wheaton College shot 9-26 from beyond the arc (34.6%), as six of their 10 players were able to knock down at least one from deep, while shooting 43.5 % (27-for-62) from the field. Fitchburg State finished 46.8 % (29-of-62) overall, while knocking down just 1-of-8 shoots (12.5%) from three point range.

The Lyons also controlled the glass, holding a 44-34 margin, including a 12-9 advantage on the offensive end, resulting in 11 second chance points.

The Lyon's were paced offensively by senior guard Billy Battaglia with a game-best 17 points, four assists and a pair caroms, while Allegrezza, who tallied 15 points, three boards and one block. Fogarty was also strong for Wheaton, collecting 12 points, eight rebounds, two steals and one assist.

For the Falcons, Burgos led the way with 16 points, five steals, four assists and two boards, while Hill recorded 14 points, four steals, two rebounds and an assists. Lee added to the mix with ten points, nine boards, two assists and a block.

Fitchburg State (3-5; 0-0 MASCAC) return to the hardwood on Saturday as it travels to WPI to take on the Engineers at 2 p.m. Wheaton (5-2, 0-0 NEWMAC) will visit Bridgewater State on Saturday for a contest starting at 1 p.m.

Recap Courtesy of Fitchburg State student journalist Kyle Prudhomme

Follow the Falcons on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!