Fitchburg State Wins RWU/Courtyard By Marriott Tip-Off

BRISTOL, R.I. – Fitchburg State claimed the 2014 RWU/Courtyard By Marriott Tip-Off Tournament Championship with a 69-44 win over the Roger Williams University Men's Basketball team Sunday afternoon. Suffolk University earned third place, defeating Lesley University 83-64 in the Consolation Game.

The Hawks opened the game on a 9-4 run for an early lead. Though Fitchburg State would come back, the game remained close early on, as it was a one-possession for most of the first part of the half. However, a 10-0 Falcon run broke a 12-12 tie, and from that point, the Falcons would continue to build its lead. Christian Dunston drained a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Fitchburg State its largest lead, a 41-22 advantage going into the second half.

In the second half, the Falcons continued to use their size and athleticism to their advantage. They held RWU to only 38.5% shooting (10-of-26) in the half while forcing ten turnovers and scoring 20 points in the paint in the period.

Fitchburg's Kwame Lee was named tournament MVP and finished the game with 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Jalen Williams was also named to the all-tournament team and finished with five points, five boards, and four assists. Maurice Greene had 11 points and eight rebound as well.

Ryan Palumbo, who also made the all-tournament team, led the Hawks with 16 points along with two steals. Andrew Wasik and Jaylen Jennings each scored seven, while Trevor Fahmy had two points and eight rebounds.

All-Tournament Teams

#0 Justin Rosa – Lesley University

#10 Sam Nwadike – Suffolk University

#2 Ryan Palumbo – Roger Williams University

#5 Jalen Williams – Fitchburg State University

Tournament MVP

#4 Kwame Lee – Fitchburg State University

Tournament Champions

Fitchburg State University