Worcester State Edges Fitchburg State, 58-57

London posts a game-high 18 points as Falcons fall to Lancers

FITCHBURG, Mass. (January 19, 2010) -Senior Colin London (Worcester, Mass./Doherty) registered a game-high 18 points but Fitchburg State fell to conference rival, Worcester State college, 58-57 in MASCAC action this evening.

In true nail-biter fashion, Worcester State earned its third conference victory of the season, holding off a last minute surge by Fitchburg State and overcoming a six point deficit in the process. Trailing by one (55-54) with 1:07 remaining in regulation, Worcester State grabbed its fourth lead of the half as Ryan Testagrossa (Athol, Mass./Athol) converted a pair of free-throws following a Fitchburg State foul.

Worcester Stated added to its lead as Jamaal Atkins' (Webster, Mass./Bartlett) lay-up gave the Lancers a three-point margin at the 0:15 mark, but junior Robert Hopkins (East Hartford, Conn./RHAM) answered immediately for the Falcons, racing down the floor for a successful lay-up in only four seconds.

After a strong defensive stand by the Falcons which caused a turnover on their own end, Fitchburg State created a pair of game-winning opportunities over the final ten seconds. Hopkins tried to seal the deal for Fitchburg State with a drive to the basket before senior Tim Graham's (Arlington, Mass./Arlington Catholic) jumper fell short.

Worcester State held a slim, one-point lead at the break which proved to the deciding factor as both teams battled with 13 ties and 13 lead changes in the contest. The Lancers controlled the boards with a 43-31 advantage on the glass, while posting a 72% to 44% advantage at the free-throw line.

London led all scorers with his game-high 18 points, shooting 7-of-14 from the field with seven boards and two assists. Hopkins was also strong for the Falcons with nine points and two steals, while Graham netted eight points from the post.

 Testagrossa paced the Worcester State attack with a team-best 16 points, four steals and four assists as the junior guard connected on 9-of-11 from the charity stripe. Atkins added a double-double for the Lancers with 12 points and 11 caroms, while freshman Tim Henault (Lunenburg, Mass./Saint Bernards) rounded out the scoring with 11 points and three steals.

Fitchburg State (4-11, 0-3 MASCAC) will be in action again on Thursday as it travels to  Salem State at 8 p.m. Worcester State (9-7, 3-1 MASCAC) will host Bridgewater State on Thursday at 8 p.m.

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Worcester State 58, Fitchburg State 57