Fitchburg State Surges Past Nichols, 72-53

Falcons use strong second half to earn third victory of the season

FITCHBURG, Mass. (November 30, 2010) – The Fitchburg State women’s basketball team exploded for 41 points throughout the second half and cruised to a 72-53 non-conference victory over Nichols College this evening.

MELISSA PROFFITT

Seniors Molly Maloney (Taunton, Mass./Taunton) and Melissa Proffitt (Hubbardston, Mass./Quabbin Regional) played a strong part in the Falcons third victory of the season, combining for 32 points and 12 rebounds on the night. Maloney led all scorers with a game-high 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, while Proffitt narrowly missed a double-double with 15 points and nine boards. Sophomore Jill Moses (Dedham, Mass./Dedham) was also strong, notching 15 points off the bench.

On the Bison offensive end, senior Jessica Nelson (N. Providence, R.I./N. Providence) paved the way, totaling a team-best 12 points to go with five boards and three assists, while senior Ashley Robidoux (Milford, Mass./Milford) collected 11 points and nine caroms.

In the first half, Nichols controlled the contest, taking advantage of 14 offensive rebounds for a 36-31 lead at the break. The Bison went up by as much as 11 following a Robidoux three-pointer at the 4:55 mark, but Fitchburg State battled back over the closing minutes, using a pair of trey’s from senior Kim Duprey (Bernardston, Mass./Pioneer Valley) and a jumper from Maloney to cut the Bison lead to only three. Sophomore Kristen Lindgren (Sturbridge, Mass./Tantasqua Regional) added a good jumper with 0:16 remaining in the half to cap the Bison first half scoring.

In the second half, Fitchburg State found its offensive groove, opening the period with a tenacious 30-7 run and posting a 20 point advantage midway through the frame. Maloney sparked the Falcons upfront with eight points in the opening three minutes before teaming up with Duprey and senior Kelley Rogers (Lowell, Mass./Lowell) for a series of threes at the 8:32 mark.

Fitchburg State posted a 41.7% shooting effort in the second half to earn the victory, while the Falcons defense held Nichols to only four buckets (4-of-29) in the frame. Fitchburg State controlled the glass with a 50-44 margin in rebounds, while grabbing a game-best ten steals and four blocks.

Fitchburg State (3-2, 0-0 MASCAC) will hit the court again on Thursday as it hosts Simmons College at 6 p.m. Nichols (2-3, 0-0 TCCC) will be in action again on Thursday as it travels to Westfield State at 7 p.m.

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Fitchburg State 72, Nichols 53