Falcons Drop First of the Season to Beacons, 77-66

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Fitchburg State yielded its first loss of the season, falling to University of Massachusetts Boston, 77-66, in non-conference men's basketball action on Tuesday evening.

In the battle of two unbeaten's, UMass Boston extends their streak to 4-0 to start of the season, while the Falcons fall to 4-1 on the year.

The Beacons took the initial lead less than a minute into the contest on a jumper by senior forward Carl Joseph and only relinquished the lead once throughout the contest. The away side would go up by as much as nine in the opening stanza at the 12:40 mark on a three pointer by Joseph.

Fitchburg State would battle back however and take their lone lead of the night, (18-17), with seven minutes remaining in the first half on a jump shot by junior forward Kwame Lee.

Despite tying the game on two occasions in the early stages of the second half, the Green & Gold were unable to hold off a Beacons run that saw UMass Boston lead by as many as 15 points on two occasion in the closing half.

Fitchburg State was led by Lee with 20 points, while junior guard Anthony Muccioli chipped in with 10 points and six caroms.

Joseph led the Beacons with a game-high 24 points with nine rebounds, and senior forward Gregory Young contributed with 16 points and eight boards.

Overall, Fitchburg State shot 34.8% (24-69) from the field, while going a mere 3-18 (16.7%0 from the perimeter. UMass Boston held a 46.3% (25-54) field goal percentage, and shot 30% (7-23) from downtown. The Falcons held a slim 43-42 edge in rebounds on the night.

Fitchburg State will return to the hardwood on Saturday as it travels to MIT for a 1:00 pm tipoff. UMass Boston will host its 30^th annual UMass Boston Harbor Invitational over the weekend and take on the College of Saint Joseph's (Vt.) on Friday night at 6:00 pm.

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