Falcons Fall Short to Bridgewater State, 67-55
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bridgewater St. (9-7, 3-1 MASCAC) | 37 | 30 | 67 |
|
Fitchburg St. (9-4, 2-1 MASCAC) | 24 | 31 | 55 |
Ingram nets a career-high 15 points in the Falcons MASCAC setback
FITCHBURG, Mass. - Fitchburg State University fell short in their comeback attempt as they were defeated by Bridgewater State University, 67-55, in a Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) women's basketball tilt on Tuesday night at the Recreation Center on the campus of FSU.
With the loss, the Falcons fall to 9-5 (2-2 MASCAC), while the Bears improve to 10-7 (4-1 MASCAC) on the season.
Trailing by 20 points five minutes into the closing period, Fitchburg State proceeded on an 11-0 run that cut the deficit back to single-digits (46-37). With the Bears crawling back with a run of their own and gaining a 19 point lead, the Falcons answered with a 12-2 run with two minutes remaining to bring the game to as close as a seven point margin.
In the opening half Fitchburg State was unable to find an answer to a full court press by the Bears, giving up 13 points off of eight turnovers and trailed by 13 points going into halftime, 37-24. Senior guard Laura Cote hit a three-pointer for the Green & Gold at the 10:27 mark of the first to cut the Bears lead to one point, but the away side proceeded on a 9-0 run to pull the lead to double-digits.
In the closing minutes of the contest the Bears caused two costly turnovers, while coming up big at the free throw line to hold off the Falcons comeback attempt and getting the 67-55 victory.
Senior forward Tara Ingram had a career-high 15 points for FSU, going 7-8 from the field, while Cote and classmate Rebecca Fluet both chipped in with nine points in the losing effort. Senior guard Britney Payne had a team-high nine boards to go along with eight points.
Bridgewater State had four starters in double-figures for scoring, with two recording double-double's. Senior forward forward Megan Boutilette had a game-high 17 points and tied a career-high with 17 rebounds, while sophomore forward Chanelle Melton had 15 points and a career-high 11 caroms. Senior guard Rachel Kusz and junior guard Vanesa Conceicao registered 11 and 13 points respectively in the win.
Overall, the Falcons shot 41.1% (23-56) from the floor, while their counterparts went 21-49 (42.9%). The Bears held a 42-29 edge in rebounds, while both teams scored equally in the paint at 36 apiece.
The Falcons will be on the road in their next contest as they travel to non-conference foe Becker on Thursday. Tipoff scheduled for 8:00 pm. Bridgewater State resumes play on Saturday with a trip to Salem State at 1:00 pm.