Fitchburg State Runs Past Westfield State, 88-67, in MASCAC Opener

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Junior Jaleel Bell and senior Kwame Lee combined for 34 points as Fitchburg State University men's basketball captured its conference opener, defeating the visiting Westfield State Owls by the final of 88-67 at the Parkinsons Gymnasium in the Rec Center.

Owls' junior Jesus Sanchez led all scorers, making a game-high eight shots from the field to give him 24 points in 27 minutes on court. 

The Green and Gold got the opening bucket moments into the contest when Bell cleaned up a teammate's miss, sending it back toward the hoop to put the first points on the board. 

Fitchburg State went on to control the ball early, scoring 11 unanswered points, gaining an early double-digit lead as Lee put his name on the stat sheet for his first points in conference play, hitting a three-pointer for the Falcons. 

Westfield State got on the board themselves after matching deep balls with one of their own, as junior Jose Allen nailed his first of 11 points, with a quality look from beyond the arc giving the visitors their first three of the contest.

The two teams began to trade baskets before the Green and Gold went on another extended run, with senior Anthony Muccioli delivering a make from three, jolting the home team to a 15-9 run and pushing its lead to 13 points (20-7). 

With 4:40 remaining in the half, Muccioli would conclude a Fitchburg State run by knocking down his second three-ball of the game, giving the Falcons a 20-point lead (38-18). The hosts got contributions from seven different players totaling 18 points over that span of time. 

Following intermission, the Falcons remained in control by playing team basketball. 

At the 15 minute mark of the second half, Givaughn Jones found Lee open beyond the arc as the senior forward converted on his second three-ball of the contest sparking yet another Fitchburg drive on the offensive side. 

Over the next 10 minutes of action, the Falcons got three-pointers from sophomore Richie Warren Jr. and classmate Christian Dunston during a 25-16 scoring run, extending their lead to 21 points (79-58) going into the final stretch. 

In the final three minutes, Fitchburg State got insurance from Bell, delivering on back-to-back lay-ups. 

With just one minute left, freshman Tysaul Horton contributed a three before converting a lay-up, helping to secure the first conference win for the Falcons, 88-67.

The teams ended the game dead-even in rebounds (35), but Fitchburg State maintained an advantage on the defensive side of the ball, pulling down 25 to Westfield's 21 defensive rebounds.

Fitchburg State came up with 18 steals and forced 26 turnovers by the opponent. The home team committed 20 turnovers throughout the contest. 

Mucciolli and classmate Jalen Williams led all bench scorers with 11 points each. 

The Green and Gold shot 30-56 (53.6%) from the field while knocking down 8-of-17 (47.1%) from beyond the arc. 

Westfield State went 22-53 (41.5%) shooting overall while hitting 5-13 (38.5%) from long distance. 

Fitchburg State (8-6; 1-0 MASCAC) next hosts conference opponent Bridgewater State University on Wednesday January 13 starting at 7:30 p.m.

Westfield State will host MCLA on Saturday January 9 starting at 3:00 p.m.

Release courtesy of Fitchburg State student journalist Kyle Prudhomme

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