Falcons Topped By Vikings In Conference Action

Salem, Mass. – The Fitchburg State Men's Basketball team dropped a 91-78 decision to the Vikings of Salem State this evening in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action from the Twohig Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 78, Salem State 91
Records: Fitchburg State (5-15, 3-6 MASCAC), Salem State (12-9, 8-2 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Salem State grabbed an early 5-0 lead to start the contest on a three-pointer from senior Chris MacDonald (Wakefield, Mass.) and a Sean Bryan (Lowell, Mass.) jumper before Fitchburg State countered as sophomore Quincy Taylor (Boston, Mass.) notched a layup (5-2).

The Vikings upped it margin to 9-2 with senior Jarrett Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) and MacDonald netting bucket, but the Falcons answered back on as sophomore Trevian Hinson (Tampa, Fla.) knocked down a three ball to cut the deficit to 9-5.

The hosts pushed its advantage to 17-7 with Bryne connecting on a three-pointer before the Green and Gold responded with baskets by junior Mikal Garcia (Fresno, Tex.) and Hinson (17-11). Salem State pushed the lead to 30-21 as freshman Juvens Louis (Everett, Mass.) hit a bucket, but junior Bryan Tyrie (Hanson, Mass.) would hit a layup for Fitchburg State to make it 30-23.

The Vikings upped the margin to 47-33 when sophomore Deven Okowuga (Lowell, Mass.) sank pair from the charity stripe. The Falcons would close the gap though as Q. Taylor and sophomore Nathaniel Semedo (Bridgewater, Mass.) converted jumpers to make the score 47-37 going into the break.

Following the intermission, Fitchburg State trimmed the lead to 48-42 as sophomore Javon Taylor (Cambridge, Mass.) hit back-to-back layups before Salem State answered with a MacDonald bucket (50-42).

The Vikings used a 9-2 run midway through the second half to build a 69-54 advantage before the Falcons cut into the deficit with a Semedo bucket and two free-throws from Tyrie (76-64). Salem State responded with a 60 run, capped by a Byrne layup for the 84-64 lead.

Fitchburg State continued to battle, making the score 89-76 after junior Tajahn Joyner (Framingham, Mass.) hit a layup and free-throw, but Salem State secured the victory as sophomore Liam Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) hit a basket, resulting in the 91-78 final.

The back and forth affair continued with the Rams drawing with one (53-52) when Okafor hit a bucket, but Hinson notched a pair of clutch buckets for the Falcons as the Green and Gold held on for the 62-59 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Falcons were paced by Semedo with a game-leading 21 points, two boards, one assist and two steals
• Q, Taylor added a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds as well as one assist and one block
• For the Vikings, Macdonald finished with a team-best 20 points and two caroms
• Bryan chipped in with 18 points, six boards, four assists and one steal
• 108th meeting between two schools with Falcons 17-90 all-time vs the Vikings
• Fitchburg State shot 33-for-71 (46.5%) from the field and (5-for-9) 55.6% from three point land
• Salem State finished 31-of-65 (47.7%) overall and (8-for-19) 42.1% from beyond the arc
• Vikings finished with a 43-32 margin on the glass

Up Next

Falcons return to action on Saturday as they host the Lancers of Worcester State for a MASCAC bout, starting at 2:00 PM.