Falcons downed by Albertus Magnus, 90-78

Fitchburg, Mass --- Fitchburg State University men's basketball hosted Albertus Magnus for its first home contest of the 2016-17 season at Parkinson Gymnasium, suffering a 90-78 loss in non-conference action on Tuesday night.

Fitchburg State junior Jaleel Bell finished with a contest most 23 points and nine rebounds on a 7-for-17 shooting night. Bell entered tied for sixth in points (85) in DIV. III through the first three games.

The Green and Gold jumped out to an early 10-9 lead before Albertus Magnus' senior Devin Coleman sunk a corner three with 15:19 left in the stanza to spark a 13-to-9 scoring drive. The visitors used the run to take their first lead midway through the first half, 22-19.

 Albertus Magnus built upon the momentum during the closing ten minutes of the first half. Pittman and senior Shaquille Mitchell led the 21-to-16 scoring drive rattling off nine and six points respectively during that span to help their team extend the lead to 51-36 before the break.

While trailing by 15 points, Fitchburg State found its groove offensively with junior swingman Josh Bosworth scoring six of his 13 points during the first five minutes of the half. However, Fitchburg State was unable to create an advantage, allowing eight points on the defensive end during that time period to trail 61-44.

After the two teams went back-and-fourth for extended time, Albertus Magnus, like it did in the first half, showed its ability to close out the final ten minutes. It started when freshman Jahmerikah Green-Younger burst of six unanswered points jolted a 13-7 run to further separate from the host (83-66).  

Albertus did its job in closing time, nailing 7-of-11 free throws inside the final five minutes to keep Fitchburg State on the outside of the 90-78 final score.  

By the numbers for Fitchburg State. Fitchburg State shot 62-of-25 from the field (40.3%) and 26-of-35 from the charity stripe (74.3%) while Albertus finished 31-of-68 (45.6%) and 22-of-40 (55%). The Green and Gold held a slight-margin on rebounds, 46-to-42, but committed 27 turnovers to the visitors 18. Albertus was able to create 25 points off turnovers, and 12 points on the second chance.

 Albertus Magnus forward Jaqwahn Walters ended with a game-high 11 rebounds while Fitchburg's Bosworth and Chima Ebele pulled down eight and seven respectively. Pittman had a game-high three assists for Albertus.