Fitchburg State Edges Rivier, 84-80

Valliere and Henneberry combine for 41 points in Falcons second victory of the season

NASHUA, N.H. (November 18, 2011) – Junior Zach Valliere (Douglas, Mass./Douglas) scored 21 points and classmate Tom Henneberry (Lexington, Mass./Lexington) added 20 as the Falcons defeated host Rivier College, 84-80 in the 2011 Rivier College-All Metals Industries Men's Basketball Classic.

The teams traded baskets throughout most of the first half. With about six minutes left, Fitchburg State went on a 16-7 run to close out the half and snagged a ten point advantage at the break. The Falcons shot at a 35% clip from the field in the first stanza while the Raiders were at 32%.

The Falcons would extend their lead to 13 points just three minutes into the second half, but the Raiders dug deep and over the next five minutes cut the deficit to just two. Despite a valiant comeback effort, Fitchburg State was able to seal the contest as a small run quickly brought the Falcons lead back to ten. In the final minutes, Rivier inched within three points but back-to-back baskets by Henneberry and a tip in from Adam Fahey (Auburn, Mass./Auburn) sealed the game.

Sophomore Tom Poitras (Bow, N.H.) was the game high scorer with 24 points. Senior Brain Troy (Westmoreland, N.H.) was solid off the bench as he added 12 points; including four three pointers. Junior Cliff Celestin (Boston, Mass.) led the team with eight rebounds while classmate Garon Whitney (Dover, N.H.) contributed with four assists.

For Fitchburg State, Mike Ingram-Rubin (Boston, Mass./Medford) and Brandon Selby (Baltimore, Md./Joppatowne) recorded double-digit point games with 15 and 14 points respectively, while both Valliere and Henneberry had double-doubles with ten and 12 rebounds to go along with their 21 and 20 points.

In the final day of the 2011 Rivier College-All Metals Industries Men's Basketball Classic, Fitchburg State will take on Daniel Webster College in a 12pm tip-off. Rivier will play Framingham State in a 2pm contest.