Fitchburg State Advances Over Husson, 107-99 (OT)

Williams notches career best 20 points to send Falcons to first ECAC NE championship game

BANGOR, Maine – Six Falcon players reached double figures as the third seeded Fitchburg State men's basketball team defeated second seed Husson University, 107-99 in overtime in semifinal round action of the 2014-15 ECAC New England Championship Tournament at the William S. Newman Gymnasium this afternoon.

With the victory, Fitchburg State improves to 16-12 overall and will take on the winner of the Southern Vermont/Anna Maria game in the championship game tomorrow at 1 pm, Husson concludes its 2014-15 campaign with a record of 20-8.

Trailing by two (91-89) with five second remaining in regulation, senior guard Aaron Willis hauled in a defensive rebound and drove down the length of the court before connecting on a game-tying layup as time expired to force the overtime period.

With the Eagles down 90-86 with 16 seconds left, sophomore Raheem Anderson knocked down a three pointer from beyond the arc and following a Falcons free throw by junior Givaughn Jones, set the stages for Willis's game tying shot.

In overtime, Fitchburg State opened the frame with a 7-0 run on baskets from Jalen Williams, Leonny Burgos and Jones to grab the lead for good at 98-91 with just over two minutes left in the contest en-route to the 107-99 final

The Falcons took a five point margin (44-39) into the locker room after shooting 54.5% from the field, including knocking down 4-of-6 from down town in the opening half, while Husson shot an equally impressive 42.4% (14-of-33).

Following intermission, the hosts battled back to take a 69-62 lead midway through the second half following a three pointer by Anderson. The Green and Gold responded with an 8-3 stretch to regain the lead at 81-80 before the two team proceed to trade leads throughout the remainder of the stanza.

Fitchburg State was led offensively by Williams, who posted a  career-best 20 points, three rebounds and two steals, while Burgos finished with 19 points, seven caroms and four assists. Junior Kwame Lee and Jones were also solid, adding 16 and 15 points respectively for the Green and Gold.

For the Eagles, Anderson totaled a game-best 33 points, including nine three pointers, while Willis added 21 points, four boards and four assists. Junior Trevon Butler rounded out the top scores for Husson, registering 19 points, six rebounds and six assists.

For the contest Fitchburg State shot a stellar 56.6% (39-of-69) from the field, while holding a commanding 43-31 advantage on the glass. The Eagles finished 33-of-69 (47.4%) with 21 of their 33 made shots coming from beyond the arc.

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