Men’s Basketball: Falcons Drive Past Regis, 88-78

WATERVILLE, Maine -- Sitting on a bus for two hours in a traffic jam did not bother the Fitchburg State men's basketball team in an 88-78 victory over Regis College on the first day of the Colby College Classic on Friday night.

Fitchburg State (1-1 overall) was delayed in getting to Wadsworth Gymnasium after a car accident stopped traffic for two hours. The contest started at 9:45 p.m. and ended at 11:38.

The Falcons will play in the championship game Saturday at 3 p.m. against Colby, a 97-96 winner over Pine Manor College in the other game. Regis (0-2) will take on the Gators in the consolation game at 1 p.m.

Jaleel Bell scored 44 points on 13-for-22 shooting from the field, 5-for-9 from 3-point range, and 13-of-14 from the foul line. He also had six rebounds and three steals.

Jalen Williams came off the bench with 16 points on 6-for-9 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line. Leonny Burgos added seven points, four assists, and two steals for the winners.

Ademola Afonja led Regis with 19 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. He was 6-for-8 from the field, had four steals, three blocked shots, and three assists. Julio Galay finished with 18 points and six rebounds, while Isaiah Wilson scored 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting. Chris Leak Jr. added six points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Fitchburg State helped its own cause by hitting 25 of its 30 free throws. The Falcons led 45-40 at halftime and never trailed in the second half.

Release courtesy of Colby College