Falcons Soar Past Gators, 96-77

Malboeuf nets double-double of 25 points and 13 boards in non-conference victory 

Chestnut Hill, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team defeated the Gators of Pine Manor College, 96-77 in non-conference action this afternoon at the Grinnell Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 96, Pine Manor 77

Records: Fitchburg State (6-15) | Pine Manor (7-15)

How It Happened

Pine Manor took an early 8-5 lead on a pair of buckets from senior guard Shanquanda Middleton (Savannah, Ga.) and three-pointer by freshman Arielle Harrell (Stockton, Calif.), but Fitchburg State answered back to take a 25-17 advantage after one quarter of play, keyed by a pair of trey's from sophomore Emma Thomson (York, Maine).

In the second quarter, the Gators cut into the deficit (33-26) on a layup and a free-throw from junior Aleah Lauti (Millbrae, Calif.) before the Falcons expanded its margin as newcomer Payton Holmes (Carver, Mass.) and junior Mikala Malboeuf (Fitchburg, Mass.) connected on three-pointers, en-route to a 43-36 edge going into the break.

Following the intermission, Fitchburg State upped its lead (47-36) on a pair of jumpers by sophomore Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.). Pine Manor responded as sophomore Shaneka Monroe (Jersey City, N.J.) connected on back-to-back layups to make the score 53-46. 

The Falcons upped their margin, going on a 12-3 run on a trey's from Malboeuf and sophomore Allysa Rivera (Chelsea, Mass.), while senior Mercy Frimpong (Worcester, Mass.) added four points during the run (66-50).

In the final quarter of play, the Green and Gold expanded their lead after a 10-2 stretch with senior Michaela McTomney (Bellingham, Mass.) sparking the run with six points, while Thomson and Marazzi added one basket each, resulting in the 96-77 final.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 33-of-70 (47.1%) from the field and 48.4% (15-for-31) from three point range.

Pine Manor went 29-of-76 (38.2%) overall, including (6-for-25) 24.0% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Malboeuf with a double-double of 25 points and 13 boards, while Marazzi added 18 points and seven caroms.

For the Gators, Middleton finished with a game-best 28 points and three rebounds, while Monroe chipped in with 12 points and five boards.

Fitchburg State controlled the glass with a narrow 48-45 margin on the boards, while Pine Manor held a 19-9 edge in second chance points.

Ninth meeting between the two schools on the hardwood with the Falcons 3-6 all-time when taking on the Gators.

Fitchburg State had won two of the last three contest against Pine Manor, with the Gators coming away with a 77-49 triumph in the last matchup (2/3/2016) at the Parkinson Gymnasium.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to MCLA on Wednesday to take on the Trailblazers for a MASCAC matchup at 5:30 P.M. Gators will host the Falcons of Fisher College on the same day for a non-conference tilt, starting at 7:00 P.M.