Fitchburg State 56, Worcester State 51
Fitchburg, MA --- Junior guard Jeff Kozik (Auburn, MA) sank four free throw shots in the final 24 seconds of regulation to help the Falcons get past visiting Worcester State College, 56-51, in the MASCAC opener Tuesday night at Fitchburg State College's Recreation Center.
Kozik finished with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the line plus dished out four assists to keep the Lancers in check. The Falcons improved to 8-3 overall and 1-0 in the MASCAC while Worcester fell to 7-6 overall (0-1 MASCAC).
Junior guard Elijah Sims (Worcester, MA) kept the visitors in the game down the stretch, hitting a two and a three with under four minutes plus adding a steal as the Lancers got to within four points at 52-48 on Sims' three with 48 seconds remaining and closed the gap to one point (52-51) on Justin Sheehan's (Carver, MA) three-pointer with 31 seconds to play in regulation.
However, Kozik drained four consecutive free throws to close out the contest. The Falcons never relinquished the lead in the final 20 minutes despite Worcester's shooting 41 percent in the second half to FSC's 32 percent (35 percent for the game). The Lancers, who shot 33 percent for the game, only committed seven turnovers to the Falcons 13 turnovers.
Senior forward Brian Torres (North Dighton, MA) led the hosts with 16 points to go along with five rebounds (3 offensive) and two blocks, while sophomore center Tim Graham (Arlington, MA) added a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds).
For Worcester State, Sims was the leader, putting home 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. He also pulled down four boards and had a steal while Sheehan added 11 points and senior guard Ryan Frassica (Brockton, MA) chipped in with 10 points, two assists and a steal.
Fitchburg State returns to action on Saturday when they travel to Salem State to take on the Vikings while Worcester State will host Westfield State on Saturday afternoon.
Release Courtesy of Fitchburg State Sports Information