Falcons Defeated By Middlebury College In Season Opener, 111-72

Gomes finishes with team-leading 16 points in Falcons debut 

Middlebury, Vt. – The Fitchburg State University men's basketball team opened its 2017-18 season this evening, dropping a 111-72 decision to the Panthers of Middlebury College in opening round action of the 2017-18 Middlebury College Tip-Off Tournament at the Pepin Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 72, Middlebury 111
Records: Fitchburg State (0-1) | Middlebury (1-0)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State was led by junior guard Jerrell Gomes (Providence, R.I.) with team-best 16 points, four rebounds and five assists, while classmate Jonathan Perez (Lowell, Mass.) chipped in with nine points, three caroms, one assist and one steal. Freshman Anthony Allen (East Longmeadow, Mass.) was also solid for the Green and Gold, collecting nine points and two boards off the bench.

For Middlebury, sophomore forward Matt Folger (Weston, Conn.) notched a game-high 17 points, one carom, two assists and one steal, while junior Eric McCord (Westford, Mass.) finished with 15 points, four boards, one assist and two steals. Senior Jack Daly (Eastchester, N.Y.) put forth a strong effort for the Panthers as well, posting a triple-double of ten points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 25-of-73 (34.2%) from the field and 23.3% (7-for-30) from down town.

Middlebury finished 56.1% (37-for-66) overall, including 12-of-23 (52.2%) from beyond the arc.

The Panthers held a commanding 54-37 advantage on the boards, while the Falcons converted 17 Middlebury turnovers into 12 points.

This evening's contest marked the first ever meeting between the two schools on the basketball court.

Up Next

Falcons will take on the Pilgrims of New England College tomorrow in the 2017-18 Middlebury College Tip-Off Tournament Consolation game at 1 p.m. Panthers will host the Leopards of Wentworth Institute tomorrow in the championship game at 3 p.m.