Salem State Rifles Past Fitchburg State, 84-55

Torres posts a game-high 24 points in Falcons MASCAC setback

FITCHBURG, Mass. (February 14, 2009) - Senior Brian Torres (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth) totaled a game-high 24 points and three rebounds as Fitchburg State fell to Salem State, 84-55 in MASCAC action this afternoon.

Torres hit 7-of-16 shots from the floor to lead Fitchburg State, including three from beyond the arc and seven from the free-throw stripe. Junior Tim Graham (Arlington, Mass./Arlington Catholic) added eight points and six rebounds to the Falcons attack, while senior Jeff Kozik (Auburn, Mass./Auburn) and sophomore Elliot Knower (Templeton, Mass./Narragansett) chipped in with seven points apiece.

Senior Stevie Celestin (Somerville, Mass./Somerville) recorded a double-double for Salem State, posting a team-high 22 points, 12 rebounds and six steals. Classmate Ricky Ogboin (Boston, Mass./North Cambridge) was also strong for the Vikings with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, while junior Tom Henderson (Westborough, Mass./Westborough) drained 19 points with seven caroms.

Fitchburg State came out soaring, grabbing an eight point lead (18-10) in the first seven minutes of play, but Salem State rallied back with a 20-4 run to take a 39-34 lead at the break. Ogboin and Celestin combined for 27 first half points to lead the Vikings' 60.7% shooting attack, while Torres notched 13 points for the Falcons.

In the second half, Fitchburg State came out firing again, cutting the Salem State lead to only three (52-49) at the 14:02 mark. The Vikings responded moments later as Celestin, Ogboin and senior Dylan Holmes (Groton, Mass./Worcester Academy) combined for 14 consecutive points to give Salem State a 66-49 advantage. The Vikings continued the offensive pressure over the final minutes of regulation, stringing together a 16-4 run to close out the match and secure their 18^th victory of the season.   

Fitchburg State (7-14, 1-9 MASCAC) will be in action again on Tuesday as it hosts MCLA at 7:30 p.m. Salem State (18-5, 8-2 MASCAC) will travel to Bridgewater State on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

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Salem State 84, Fitchburg State 55