Men’s Basketball Edged By Vikings In MASCAC Matchup

Von Zboray finishes with game-best 27 points for Green & Gold

Salem, MA – The Fitchburg State Men's Basketball team dropped a 79-75 decision to the Vikings of Salem State this evening in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action this evening from the Twohig Gymnasium.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 75, Salem State 79

Records: Fitchburg State (10-12, 4-7 MASCAC) | Salem State (14-8, 7-4 MASCAC)

How It Happened

First Half

Fitchburg State opened the contest with a 7-2 advantage on buckets from junior Joshua Jean Charles (Dorchester, MA) and senior Nicolas Von Zboray (Sacramento, CA) before Salem State grabbed an 8-7 edge with sophomore Ali Barry (Lynn, MA) hitting a pair of buckets as well as a three-ball.

The Falcons regained the lead (17-10) when junior Kobe Witherow-Bass (Sacramento, CA) netted a pair of buckets and a Von Zboray layup, but the Vikings knotted the contest at 21-21 with newcomer Raheim Orleans (Attleboro, MA) registering a bucket.

The Green and Gold regained the lead (26-23) with Jean Charles and junior Matthew Drayton (Roxbury, MA) collecting buckets before the hosts took a 35-32 edge into the break on a pair of free throws from junior Nelson Obarisiagbon (Lynn, MA).

Second Half

Following the intermission, Salem State pushed the lead to 47-38 on a layup by Barry before Fitchburg State answered back on a jumper from junior Braeden White (Spencer, MA) to make the score 48-43.

The Falcons cut the lead to 53-47 with junior Takoma Rosario (Vista, CA) registering a layup, but the Vikings extended the margin to 67-55 on a layup by Barry.

The Green and Gold trimmed the lead to 70-67 when junior Xavier Smaltz (Allentown, PA) connected on back-to-back baskets before the Vikings secured the victory on a pair of free-throws by junior Nicholas Martinez (Revere, MA), resulting in the 79-75 final.

Inside the Numbers

• Von Zboray led the way for the Falcons with a game-best 27 points, ten rebounds, one assist and one steal
• Jean Charles added 12 points, six boards and two steals
• For the Vikings, Orleans finished with a team-leading 14 points and three caroms
• Senior Tyrese Rho (Boston, MA) chipped in with 14 points, one rebound, three assists and two steals
• Fitchburg State shot 30-for-61 (49.2% from the field and (8-of-19) 42.1% from three point range
• Salem State finished at 26-of-53 (49.1%) overall and (6-for-14) 42.9% from beyond the arc
• The Falcons held a 37-30 advantage on the glass

Up Next

Falcons return to action on Saturday as they host the AMCATS of Anna Maria for a MASCAC clash, starting at 2:00PM.

STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on Fitchburg State University Athletics, follow the Falcons via social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.