FITCHBURG, Mass. — The Fitchburg State Falcons outscored Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 38-24, in the second half to earn a key conference victory Tuesday evening, 65-57.
With the win, the Falcons even their Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference record to 5-5, 13-8 overall. The Trailblazers suffer a big setback as they fall a game behind MASCAC leader Westfield State, falling to 8-3 in conference play. MCLA is now 12-12 overall.
Kenny Suggs led the Trailblazers with 13 points while John Jones recorded his sixth straight double-double, finishing with 12 points and 11 rebounds for MCLA.
Fitchburg placed four players in double figures, led by Tom Henneberry's game-high 20 points that included an impressive 4-for-5 from 3-point range. Zach Valliere filled the stat sheet with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks. Brandon Selby finished with 15 points, while Mike Ingram-Rubin added 10.
MCLA controlled play in a sloppy first half and led 33-27 at the break. Fitchburg quickly asserted itself in the second period. They scored the first five points of the half to get within one at 33-32.
With the score at 38-36 in favor of MCLA, the Falcons used a 17-2 run covering 7:30 minutes to push out to a 53-40 lead. Henneberry was the main man in the spurt, scoring 10 points including a pair of threes.
MCLA will look to get back on track this Saturday when they look to avenge an early season loss to Bridgewater State. The game will also mark senior day for Vernon Cross, Bilal Shabazz and Richard Johnson. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.
