Falcons Defeated By Engineers, 89-74

Worcester, Mass. – The Fitchburg State Men's Basketball team dropped an 89-74 decision to the Engineers of WPI this afternoon in non-conference action from the Harrington Gymnasium.

 The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 74, WPI 89
Records: Fitchburg State (5-3) I WPI (7-1)

How It Happened

1st half

Fitchburg State took a 9-7 edge to open the contest on a jumper from senior Jordan Jones (Worcester, Mass.) before WPI knotted the score (12-12) as senior Jake Wisniewski (West Brookfield, Mass.) connected on a layup. The Engineers regained the lead midway through the first half on a three pointer by junior Dakota Wheeler (Easthampton, Mass.) for the 17-14 margin.

WPI went on a 17-2 run, capped by a Reid Walker (Tampa, Fla.) layup to extend its lead to 39-22. The Falcons answered back as Jones buried a three-ball, but the Engineers countered on a pair of free throws from Wheeler for the 45-27 advantage.

The Green and Gold chipped away at the deficit with freshman Xavier Betancourt (Tampa, Fla.) hitting a jumper and two free throws, while classmate Trevian Hinson (Tampa, Fla.) added a bucket to make the score 45-35 before WPI took a 50-40 lead into the break on baskets from Walker and junior Ethan Harrell (Wexford, Penn.).

2nd half

Following the break, Fitchburg State cut the deficit to 55-46 on a three point from senior Nicholas Tracy (Indianapolis, Ind.) and a layup by fellow senior Charles Doss (Fitchburg, Mass.). WPI responded with a bucket by junior Garret Stephenson (Townsend, Mass.) for the 63-47 edge.

The Falcons continued to battle with Betancourt notching a jumper (54-73) before Walker answered for the Engineers to up the lead to 76-54. Betancourt and junior Anthony Diaz (Harrisburg, Penn.) connected on baskets for the Green and Gold to make the score 81-68, but the Engineers secured the victory on a Lou Doherty (Arlington, Mass.) three-pointer, resulting in the 89-74 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Falcons were led by Jones with a double-double of 19 points and ten rebounds
• Betancourt chipped in with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals
• Walker paced the Engineers with a game-best 21 points and 12 boards
• Stephenson added 17 points and seven caroms for WPI
• 17th meeting between the two teams on the basketball court with the Falcons 2-15 all-time vs the Engineers
• Fitchburg State shot 26-for-62 (41.9%) from the field and (7-of-25) 28.0% from three point range
• WPI finished 31-of-68 (45.6%) overall and (10-for-26) 38.5% for beyond the arc
• Engineers held a 44-35 margin on the glass

Up Next

Falcons will host the Fighting Scots of Gordon College on Thursday for a non-conference matchup, starting at 6:00 PM. Engineers will host the Jumbos of Tufts University on Tuesday in non-conference action at 7:00 PM.