Fitchburg State Withstands Dean College, 94-89 (2OT)

Rose and Rivera guide Falcons to non-conference double overtime victory

FRANKLIN, Mass. – Freshman guard Kyra Rose netted a double-double of 36 points and 12 rebounds as the Fitchburg State women's basketball team defeated the Bulldogs of Dean College, 94-89 in double overtime in non-conference action this evening at the Pieri Gymnasium.

Fitchburg State and Dean College traded baskets to open the contest with junior Michaela McTomney and Rose knocking down baskets for the Falcons, while sophomore Denisha Gardener and classmate Fataya Larry scoring for the Bulldogs (4-4).

Following a layup by McTomney, Dean closed out the quarter with pair of jumpers from sophomore Vianah Smith and  Lindia Pina to take a 22-17 advantage after one quarter of play.

In the second frame, the Bulldogs upped its lead (26-17) as sophomore Chelsea Johnson and classmate Farrah Beatty connected a back-to-back layup before the Green and Gold went on a 13-2 run, sparked by Rose's five points, while senior Shabeli Villa and freshman Allysa Rivera buried three pointers to put the Falcons back on top 30-28.

After a free throw by sophomore Dana Jackson, the Falcons outscored Dean 9-3 over the final 4:28 of the half as Rivera drained a three ball, while sophomores Hannah Keohan and Amy Connolly added one basket each to make the score 39-32 going into the intermission.

Following the break, Fitchburg State extended its lead (42-32) on a trey from newcomer Emma Thomson before Dean College chipped away at the deficit, going on a 8-3 run as junior Sophia Corbitt hit a pair of jumpers, while Johnson added a three pointer to knot the score at 49-49 going into the fourth quarter of play.

In the final stanza, the Bulldogs regained the lead with 8:13 remaining in the fourth quarter on a layup by Smith (56-55). Fitchburg State battled back to tie the contest at 69-69 after a pair of free throws by Rose and a jumper from McTomney before both teams traded buckets over the final two minutes to send the game into overtime (74-74).

Both team scored seven points each in the first overtime period to send the game into a second overtime. With the score knotted at 89-89, Fitchburg State regained the lead for good on trio of free throws by Rose before freshman Aicha Kone blocked a potential game-tying three-pointer from Corbitt with two seconds left in the contest, resulting in the 94-89 double overtime win.

Rose ignited the Falcons offense with a game best 36 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks, while Rivera added to mix with a career best 22 points, four caroms, five assists and two steals.

For Dean, Smith led the way with a team-leading 20 points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Johnson chipped in with 18 points, one assist and four steals. Gardener was also solid for the Bulldogs, registering a double-double of 14 points and 14 boards in the setback.

For the contest, Fitchburg State shot 41.9% (31-of-74) from the field and 9-for-27 (33.3%) from three point range, while Dean College finished 30-for-92 (32.6%) overall and 21.7% (5-of-23) from downtown.

Fitchburg State (8-8, 1-4 MASCAC) returns to action on Wednesday as it travels to Framingham State to take on the Rams at 7:30 p.m. Dean College (13-7) will visit Southern Maine Community College on Saturday at 1 p.m.

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