Falcons Defeated By Bears, 75-55

Thomson nets team-best 19 points in MASCAC setback 

Bridgewater, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team dropped a 75-55 decision to the Bears of Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening at the Tinsley Center.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 55, Bridgewater State 75

Records: Fitchburg State (5-13, 0-6 MASCAC) | Bridgewater State (5-13, 2-4 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Fitchburg State raced out to an early 11-4 lead as sophomore Emma Thomson (York, Maine) ignited the run with eight points, while classmate Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.) added a three-pointer. Bridgewater State rallied back to take a 23-18 advantage however as sophomore Kayla Carter (Beverly, Mass.) connected on a layup late in the first quarter.

In the second stanza, the Bears extended their lead (32-20) on a layup from senior Rhianna Page (Brookline, Mass.), before the Falcons capped the first half scoring as newcomer Mikaela Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) hit a layup as the hosts took a 44-28 edge into the break.

Following the intermission, Bridgewater State upped its advantage after a 7-2 stretch on buckets from Carter, senior Chanelle Melton (Brockton, Mass.) and junior Sara DaSilva (Chelmsford, Mass.) before Fitchburg State answered back on four straight points by junior Mikala Malboeuf (Fitchburg, Mass.) to make the score 60-42.

In the final quarter of play, the Green and Gold cut the deficit to 62-45 after sophomore Allysa Rivera (Chelsea, Mass.) buried a three ball, but the Bears secure the win as junior Oliva DelGrosso (Ledyard, Conn.) converted a layup, resulting in the 75-55 final.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 21-of-52 (40.4%) from the field and 38.1% (8-for-21) from three point range.

Bridgewater State went 28-of-68 (41.2%) overall, including (6-for-23) 26.1% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Thomson with a team-leading 19 points and six rebounds, while Marazzi added ten points and six caroms.

For the Bears, Melton finished with a game-best 20 points and five boards, while DelGrosso chipped in with 13 points and one rebound.

Fitchburg State controlled the glass with a 40-34 margin on the boards, while Bridgewater State held a narrow 19-17 advantage in bench points.

64th meeting between the two schools on the hardwood with the Falcons 14-50 all-time when taking on the Bears.

Bridgewater State has won the last six matchups against Fitchburg State, including a 77-65 decision (2/4/17) at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to Framingham State on Saturday as it takes on the Rams for a MASCAC contest, starting at 1:00 P.M. Bears will host the Blazers of Elms College on Monday for a non-conference matchup at 7:00 P.M.