Fitchburg State Tops UMass Boston, 76-72

Graham and London combine for 50 points in Falcons first victory

BOSTON, Mass. (November 24, 2009) - Senior guard Colin London (Worcester, Mass./Doherty) (26) and senior center Timothy Graham (Arlington, Mass./Arlington) (24) combined to score 50 points as Fitchburg State defeated UMass Boston, 76-72 this evening.

In the first half, the Beacons jumped out to an early nine point lead (20-11) as Justin Favors (Mabletown, Ga./North Cobb Christian) capped a 10-4 run midway through the period with a shot from beyond the arc. The Falcons responded quickly, outscoring UMass Boston 25-14 over the final ten minutes of the period to take a two point lead at the break. Fitchburg State did most of its damage inside the low-post, collecting 20 points in the paint, including 20 from London and ten from Graham.

Fitchburg State continued its hot-shooting in the second half, taking its largest lead of the night (59-49) with 9:50 remaining in regulation. UMass Boston rallied back, cutting the Falcons lead to one on a Pat Joseph (Queens, NY) potential three-point layup but Fitchburg State transitioned down the court on the ensuing miss and connected on the fast-break to hold 66-63 margin with 3:52 showing. 

The Falcons increased their lead to eight (75-67) with 24 seconds left in the game, but the Beacons continued to fight, posting five points over the next 12 seconds. Moments later, Ernst Jean (Malden, Mass./Malden) came up with a steal, but a three-pointer from the top of the key was off the mark from sophomore guard Gaelen McGrail (Belmont, Mass./Belmont) and the Beacons' comeback was halted.

London finished the night shooting 9-15 from the floor and added five rebounds, while Graham added his first double-double of the season with 12 boards Freshman guard Blake Sheldon (Westminster, Mass./Oakmont) led all playmakers with five assists to go with six points, two steals and a rebound.

UMass Boston's Kyle King (Springfield, Mass./Cathedral) posted team-best 17 points (6-of-11) and five steals to lead the Beacons, while Mitchell, Jr. and Jean registered 16 points and 15 points respectively.

Fitchburg State (1-3, 0-0 MASCAC) will be in action again on Tuesday as it hosts Regis College at 7 p.m. UMass Boston (1-2, 0-0 LEC) will compete in the Harbor Tournament this Friday at 4:30 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 76, UMass Boston 72