Westfield State Holds Off Fitchburg State, 64-58

Kozik nets a team-high 19 points on 7-of-7 shooting

FITCHBURG, Mass. (January 27, 2009) - Senior Jeff Kozik (Auburn, Mass./Auburn) registered a team-high 19 points in Fitchburg State's 64-58 setback to Westfield State College this evening in MASCAC action.

Kozik shot a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, including 3-of-3 from three point range and 2-of-2 from the charity stripe. Junior Tim Graham (Arlington, Mass./Arlington) aided Kozik on the Falcon attack with ten points and six boards, while senior Brian Torres (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth) added nine points.

Westfield State senior Dave Jaehnig (Quincy, Mass./BC High) led all scorers with a game-high 21 points and seven boards, while junior Kevin Knowles (Freetown, Mass./Apponequet) recorded 13 points and five caroms. Junior Joe Dicruttalo (Franklin, Mass./Franklin) was also solid for the Owls with eight points and two rebounds.

Westfield State used an 11-2 run midway through the first half to grab solid seven point lead (33-26) at the break. Jaehnig led the Owls first half attack with eight points and four boards, while sophomore Elliot Knower (Templeton, Mass./Narragansett) and junior Colin London (Worcester, Mass./Doherty) each netted six for the Falcons.

 In the second half, Fitchburg State came out firing, exploding for a 12-1 run over 2:42 span to take a 51-49 lead. Kozik sparked the Falcons rally with ten points, including two three-pointers. Westfield State responded moments later, closing the period with an 11-5 run to earn its 12^th victory of the season. Knowles led the Owl comeback with six points in the rally, while Jaehnig hit a dagger from beyond the arc with 3:39 remaining.   

Fitchburg State (6-10, 1-5 MASCAC) will be in action again on Saturday as it travels to Framingham State at 3 p.m. Westfield State (12-6, 5-1 MASCAC) will host Bridgewater State on Saturday at 3 p.m.

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Westfield State 64, Fitchburg State 58