Falcons Race Past Bears on Senior Day, 62-59

Mitchell post double-double of 15 points and eleven rebounds in MASCAC victory

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team defeated the Bears of Bridgewater State, 62-59 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this afternoon at the Parkinson Gymnasium. With the win the Falcons qualify for the MASCAC post-season tournament as the number six seed.

In a pre-game ceremony the hosts honored their seniors Mercy Frimpong and Michaela McTomney.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 62, Bridgewater State 59
Records: Fitchburg State (9-16, 3-9 MASCAC) | Bridgewater State (10-15, 6-6 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Bridgewater State took an early 7-2 advantage on a three-pointer by senior Jennifer Whyte (Braintree, Mass.) and buckets from senior Chanelle Melton (Brockton, Mass.) and sophomore Kayla Carter (Beverly, Mass.) before the Falcons responded with a pair of layups by senior Mercy Frimpong (Worcester, Mass.) to give the hosts a 15-13 margin.

In the second quarter, the Green and Gold took a 21-15 lead as sophomores Emma Thomson (York, Maine) and Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H.) drained back-to-back three balls, but the Bears cut the deficit to 36-29 at the half with junior Sara DaSilva (Chelmsford, Mass.) knocking down a three-pointer just before the buzzer.

Following the break, Bridgewater State regained the lead on a jumper from Melton as a three-pointer by Whyte (38-36) before the Falcons took a 49-44 margin into the final quarter of play with freshman Mikaela Mitchell (Millbury, Mass.) connecting on a trey.

In the fourth frame, the Bears regained the lead on baskets from Melton and senior Megan Ianiro (Ashland, Mass.), but the Green and Gold answered back on a layup from Mitchell to give the host the lead for good (58-56), resulting in the 62-59 final as junior Mikala Malboeuf (Fitchburg, Mass.) sank a pair from the charity stripe.

Inside the Numbers

Fitchburg State shot 22-of-57 (38.6%) from the field and 50% (12-for-24) from three point range.

Bridgewater State went 23-of-59 (39%) overall, including (4-for-12) 33.3% from beyond the arc.

The Falcons were led by Mitchell with a double-double of 15 points and eleven rebounds, while McTomney added seven points and a game high 14 boards.

For the Bears, Melton led the way with 14points and 5 caroms, while Kailyn Aguiar (Acushnet, Mass.) contributed 7 points and a team-high 10 rebounds off the bench.

Fitchburg State controlled the glass, holding a 50-31 margin on the boards.

65th meeting between the two schools on the basketball court with the Falcons 15-50 all-time when taking on the Bears.

Bridgewater State has won the last seven matchups against Fitchburg State, including a 75-55 decision earlier this season (1/25/18) at the Tinsley Center.

Up Next

Falcons will travel to Bridgewater State to take on the Bears on Tuesday in opening round action of the 2018 MASCAC Women's Basketball post-season tournament, tip-off slated for 7:00pm.