Falcons Clipped By Rams, 74-71

Coppinger posts double-double of 22 points and 19 caroms in non-conference setback

Boston, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University women's basketball team dropped a tough 74-71 decision to the Rams of Suffolk University in non-conference action this evening from the Regan Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 71, Suffolk 74
Records: Fitchburg State (5-3) | Suffolk (6-3)

How It Happened

1st quarter

Suffolk opened the contest with a 5-0 on buckets from senior Marissa Gudauskas (Bolton, Conn.) and sophomore Jordan Hipwell (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) before junior Emma Thomson (York, Maine) connected on back-to-back three balls for Fitchburg State to make the score 12-8. The Falcons capped the scoring in the first quarter as junior Catherine Coppinger (Dorchester, Mass.) hit a jumper to cut the lead to 20-17.

2nd quarter

Fitchburg State grabbed the lead (22-20) early the second frame as Coppinger buried a trey and a layup before upping its margin on another three pointer by Thomson to make the score 27-22. The Rams chipped away at the deficit with sophomore Mya Blazejowski (Woburn, Mass.), Hipwell and Gudauskas hitting baskets to cut the lead to 35-34 going into the break.

3rd quarter

Following the intermission, Suffolk retied the contest (38-38) on a bucket from Hipwell, but the Falcons took the lead back as Coppinger converted a jumper for the 40-38 edge. The Rams regained the lead on a three pointer from Gudauskas for the 55-53 advantage.

4th quarter

The Green and Gold battle back to tie the contest at 59-59 as Coppinger hit a jumper, but Hipwell answered for the Rams with bucket of her own for the 61-59 margin. Suffolk secured the win with junior Alexis Hackett (Charlton, Mass.) sinking two free-throws, resulting in the 74-71 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Falcons were led by Coppinger with double-double of 22 points and 19 boards
• Thomson added 20 points, four rebounds and two steals for Fitchburg State
• Sophomore Jenni-Rose DICecco (Falmouth, Mass.) netted a double-double of 22 points and 12 caroms for the Rams
• Gudauskas chipped in with 20 points and three rebounds for Suffolk
• 13th meeting between two schools with Falcons 7-6 all-time vs the Rams
• Fitchburg State shot 27-for-63 (42.9%) from the field and (10-for-26) 38.5% from three point range
• Suffolk finished 28-of-76 (36.8%) overall and (9-for-30) 30.0% for beyond the arc
• Falcons held a narrow 45-43 margin on the glass
• Rams finished with a 12-2 edge in fast break points

Up Next

Falcons will host the Mountaineers of Southern Vermont College on Saturday for a non-conference matchup, starting at 12:00 PM. Rams will host the Rams of Framingham State on the same date for a non-conference tilt at 1:00 PM.