Falcons Defeat Gators of Pine Manor College, 82-69

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University men's basketball team defeated the Gators of Pine Manor College 82-69 in non-conference action on Saturday afternoon at Parkinson Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State University 82, Pine Manor College 69
Records: Fitchburg State (9-12, 4-4 MASCAC) | Pine Manor College (7-14)

How It Happened

In a back and forth affair the Falcons took an early lead (11-5) as Tyrell St. John (Stamford, Conn.) drained a deep 3-point ball culminating six straight points from the hosts. Pine Manor battled back and tied the game (13-13) after junior Shaun Miller (Hyde Park, Mass.) tallied from behind the arc.

With 8:21 to play the Green and Gold pulled ahead by eight (27-19) collecting eight consecutive points from junior Andre Ruff (Chicago, I'll.) in the run. Pine Manor finished the frame with baskets from Rasheed Bell and Sayvonn Houston to cut the deficit to 35-34 heading into the locker room.

Knotted at 46-46 after intermission and the teams embroiled in a battle the Falcons moved ahead (50-48) with a pair from the charity strip from junior Nickolas Tracy (Indianapolis, Ind.), however the Gators countered with a three-pointer from Jamel Hamans to take the lead 51-50.

Tracy took control of the offense for the Falcons with seven points as they re-gained the lead (67-57) with under six minutes to play. Fitchburg State sealed the victory with strong defense and five points from the charity stripe for the 82-69 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Fitchburg State was led by Tracy with a game-best 27 points and eight rebounds, while junior Jordan Jones (Worcester, Mass.) added 17 points and ten caroms for the Green and Gold. Junior Andre Ruff (Chicago, Ill.) added 17 points as well for the Falcons
• For Pine Manor, Bell registered a team-leading 16 points, including his 1,000th career point, while sophomore Sayvonn Houston (Brockton, Mass.) chipped in with a double-double of 14 points and ten boards.
• Fitchburg State shot 28-of-59 (47.5%) from the field and (6-of-18) 33.3% from beyond the arc.
• The PMC went 24-of-75 (32.0%) overall and (13-of-42) 31.0% from three point range.
• Fitchburg State held the rebounding advantage 53-41

Up Next

Falcons will host the Trailblazers of MCL in MASCAC action on Wednesday evening with a 5:30 pm tipoff.