Falcons Soar Past Bison, 74-57

Marazzi, Malboeuf, McTomney and Mitchell reach double figures in non-conference victory 

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team defeated the Bison of Nichols College, 74-57 in non-conference action this evening from the Parkinson Gymnasium to close out the first semester. 

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 74, Nichols 57
Records: Fitchburg State (4-7) | Nichols (2-6)

How It Happened

Nichols raced out to an early 6-0 lead on a pair of baskets from senior Brooke Packard (Dudley, Mass.) and a jumper by sophomore Jessica Larsh (Bolton, Conn.). Fitchburg State knotted the score (12-12) as junior Mikala Malboeuf (Fitchburg, Mass.), sophomore Allysa Rivera (Chelsea, Mass.) and freshman Chloe Roberts (Hanson, Mass.) connected on three pointers.

In the second stanza, the Falcons took a 20-15 margin to start the quarter on jumper from senior Michaela McTomney (Bellingham, Mass.). Nichols answered back, going on 6-2 run late in frame as Larsh, junior Amy Assad (Millis, Mass.) and graduate student Brittany Donovan (Newport, R.I.) sank two free-throws each to give the Bison a 29-28 advantage before sophomore Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.) connected on a jumper for the Falcons with 14 seconds remaining to make the score 30-29 going into the break.

Following intermission, the Green and Gold extended their margin, going on a 12-2 stretch on a trey from newcomer Mishelle Logie (Attleboro, Mass.), while Malboeuf, McTomney and freshman Mikaela Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) added one bucket each (46-35). After an and-one by Assad, Fitchburg State took a 55-41 advantage as Roberts drained a three pointer and Malboeuf added layup.

In the fourth quarter, the Bison cut into the deficit (57-45) as senior Allison Cerrato (Rockland, Mass.) hit a pair from the charity strip as well as jumper before the Falcons put the game out of reach on baskets from Malboeuf and Mitchell midway through the final stanza, resulting in the 74-57 final.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 26-of-69 (37.7%) from the field and 26.7% (8-for-30) from three point range.

Nichols went 15-of-55 27.3%) overall, including (3-for-21) 14.3% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Marazzi with a game-best 21 points and six rebounds, while McTomney added a double-double of ten points and ten boards.

For the Bison, Larsh posted a team-leading 14 points and five caroms, while Cerrato chipped in with ten points, and four rebounds for the visitors.

28th meeting between the two schools on the basketball court with the Falcons 15-13 all-time when taking on the Bison.

Nichols had won two of the previous three contests against Fitchburg State with the Falcons securing 79-64 victory last season at the Parkinson Gymnasium (12/30/16).

Up Next

Falcons are off until after the semester break when they travel to Anna Maria to take on the AMCATS on Thursday, January 4th for a contest starting at 5:00 P.M. Bison are off until after the break as well as they visit Saint Joseph (CT.) on Tuesday, January 4th for a 6:00 P.M. tipoff.