Fitchburg State Shoots Past Framingham State, 69-59

Falcons collect first conference victory led by Maloney's 19 points

FITCHBURG, Mass. (January 9, 2010) - Junior Molly Maloney (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) netted a game-high 19 points to pace Fitchburg State and lead the Falcons to its first conference victory with a 69-59 win over Framingham State College this afternoon.

MOLLY MALONEY

Trailing by one at the half, Fitchburg State used clutch free-throw shooting throughout the second half (17-of-24) to collect its sixth victory of the season. Sophomore Rebecca Goreham (Quincy, Mass./North Quincy) sparked the Falcons second half run, posting ten of her 12 points with 10-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line.

Framingham State overcame an early first-half deficit (16-8), using a 21-10 run over a span of 5:40 to take its first lead of the contest (27-26). The Rams took advantage of 12 Falcon fouls and 11 turnovers as Kia Minor (Oak Bluffs, Mass./Martha's Vineyard) connected for nine points in the run, including a three-point play at the 9:48 mark to give Framingham the one point edge.

The second half remained deadlocked with five lead changes and two scoring ties, but Fitchburg State closed out the contest with an 8-0 run to secure the victory. Goreham led the Falcons down the stretch, sinking six consecutive free-throws, while Maloney and senior Kari Averill (Barre, Vt./Spaulding) each netted a pair.

Maloney led the Falcons from the floor, shooting a team-best 7-for-18, including 3-of-4 from the charity stripe. Goreham was also dependable for the Falcons, draining 12-of-14 from the free-throw line to collect her third double-double of the season (14 points, 10 boards), while junior Melissa Proffitt (Hubbardston, Mass./Quabbin Regional) and Averill added ten points apiece.

Sophomore Emily Clark (Melrose, Mass./Melrose) led the Rams offense, shooting 75.0% from the floor (8-of-12) for 18 points and five boards, while Minor nearly missed a double-double with 15 points and eight caroms (six offensive). Senior Toya Chester (Leominster, Mass./Ayer) also chipped in 12 points and eight rebounds for the Rams.

Fitchburg State (6-5, 1-0 MASCAC) will be back in action on Thursday as it hosts Eastern Nazarene College at 7 p.m. Framingham State (4-5, 0-1 MASCAC) will visit Bridgewater State on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 69, Framingham State 59