Fitchburg State Downed By Westfield State, 61-58

London post second straight 20 point effort despite Falcons MASCAC loss

FITCHBURG, Mass. (February 20, 2010) - Senior Colin London (Worcester, Mass./Doherty) led Fitchburg State with his second consecutive 20 point game as the Falcons suffered a tough 61-58 setback to Westfield State College this afternoon.

London turned in a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds this afternoon, shooting 8-for-15 from the floor and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. Senior Tim Graham (Arlington, Mass./Arlington) also witnessed a career day as the four-year center posted his 500th career rebound with a double-double performance. Graham aided the Falcons offense with ten points and ten boards, while junior Robert Hopkins (East Hartford, Conn./RHAM) and freshman Blake Sheldon (Westminster, Mass./Oakmont) tallied six apiece.

In the first half, Fitchburg State controlled the offensive tempo as the Falcons grabbed an eight point lead at the break (35-27). Fitchburg broke open a close two point affair midway through the period as London ignited a 14-2 run with a layup at the 12:27 mark. Sophomore Steve Verdi (Revere, Mass./Malden) added a lay-up in the scoring surge while classmate Brad Girouard (Plymouth, Mass./Plymouth South) capped the rally with shot in the paint at 7:59.

Fitchburg State maintained a double-digit lead for most of the period but a shot by Westfield's Eugene Turner (Lynn, Mass./Lynn English) at the buzzer cut the Falcon lead to eight at intermission. The Owls carried its offensive momentum over to the second period, posting a 17-9 run in the opening five minutes to even the score at 44-44. Junior Jesse Benoit (Granby, Mass./Granby) led the Owl comeback with 13 points in a six minute span, while senior Derek Leab's (Shrewsbury, Mass. /Shrewsbury) three pointer gave Westfield State its first lead since 13:29 of the first period.

The Falcons answered moments later as Graham connected for an unconventional, three-point play to give the Falcons two point lead but another three by Leab put the Owls back on top by one (56-55). Westfield State would not relinquish its lead for the remainder of the contest, however Fitchburg State did not go quietly, creating a pair of three point attempts in the closing four seconds.

Despite the loss, Fitchburg State (8-17, 3-9 MASCAC) has qualified for the MASCAC Tournament and will visit Worcester State College on Thursday at 8 p.m. Westfield State concludes its season with a 10-15 mark and a 3-9 clip in the MASCAC.

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Westfield State 61, Fitchburg State 58