Fitchburg State Rolls Past MCLA, 80-44

Torres nets a game-high 32 points as Falcons set sights on MASCAC playoffs

FITCHBURG, Mass. (February 17, 2009) - Senior Brian Torres (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth) dropped 32 points and six rebounds as Fitchburg State topped MCLA, 80-44 in MASCAC action this evening.

Fitchburg State used a balanced attack as all 11 players registered points. Torres led all shooters, hitting 9-of-15 shots from the floor, including 6-of-10 from three point range. With his 32 point effort, Torres moved up to third on Fitchburg State's all-time scorers list with 1,517 career points. Sophomore Elliot Knower (Templeton, Mass./Narragansett) was also strong for the Falcons, totaling nine points and five boards, while senior Brian Skiffington (North Adams, Mass./Hoosac Valley) added eight points and one steal.

Sophomore Jon Greenberg (Antwerp, Belgium/Dennis-Yarmouth) led the MCLA scoring attack with a double-double, posting a team-high 20 points and ten rebounds. Classmate Chris McLaughlin (Pittsfield, Mass./Pittsfield) was also solid for the Trailblazer, posting nine points on 4-of-9 shooting.

Fitchburg State posted a 13-7 run over the final eight minutes of the first half to grab a 35-22 advantage at the break. Torres sparked the Falcons first half attack with 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field, while Greenberg registered 12 points and four boards for the Trailblazers.

In the second half, Fitchburg State came out soaring, tallying a 19-5 run to open the period. Torres led the Falcon rally with 11 points, while junior Colin London (Worcester, Mass./Doherty) and Knower each netted a pair. Fitchburg State continued to pour on the offense throughout the half, securing its eighth victory of the season with a 22-7 run late in the period. 

Fitchburg State (8-14, 2-9 MASCAC) will be in action again on Saturday as it travels to Westfield State College at 3 p.m. MCLA (1-23, 0-11 MASCAC) will host Bridgewater State on Saturday at 4 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 80, MCLA 44