Men's Basketball falls 77-76 in MASCAC Quarterfinals to Fitchburg State

Williamstown, MA-- Fitchburg State's Dayne Allen converted a pair of free throws, the second of which was after a lane violation, with just 9 seconds left to lift the fifth seeded Falcons to a nailbiting 77-76 win over the fourth seeded MCLA Trailblazers this evening in a MASCAC quarterfinal in Chandler Gymnasium on the campus of Williams College.  With the win, the Falcons (7-17) advance to face the top seeded Westfield State Owls on Thursday evening.  

MCLA ends their season at 10-13.

Late in the ballgame, MCLA's Hayden Bird converted a putback to tie things up at 72-72 with just 1:43 remaining.  His bucket started a 6-0 spurt for MCLA as Noah Yearsley would make a pair of FT's and then following a turnover by the Falcons, Yearsley scored on a drive to make it 76-72 with just 40 seconds left to play.

The Falcons answered quickly as Trevian Hinson, who had a game best 29 points, nailed a three pointer from the top of the key to slice the deficit to 76-75 with 30 seconds left.  MCLA turned it over against the Fitchburg pressure on the next possession setting up Allen's heroics.

Quincy Taylor had a contested look in close that missed but Allen secured the rebound and was fouled.  He drained the first and then missed the second, however a lane violation gave him another shot.  When he swished the next one, the Falcons regained the lead at 77-76.

MCLA called timeout with 9.2 seconds left to set up a final shot.  Yearsley got off an 18 footer that was short and Hayden Bird corraled the rebound, but his contested shot fell short and gave the Falcons the win.

The game was tight throughout as neither team led by more than eight points and that was early in the first half.  It featured eight ties and 13 lead changes overall.

The Falcons led most of the first half but ultimately trailed 41-39 at the break as Yearsley converted a three point play on MCLA's final possession of the half.  MCLA shot 50% in the opening half compared to just 40% for the Falcons.

Hinson was outstanding for the visitors as he poured in his game high 29 point night.  He was 12-24 shooting and 3-5 beyond the arc.  He added 6 rebounds to his stat line.  Tajahn Joyner added 14 points for the Falcons while Frederick Siayor collected 11 points in the win.  Allen was largely held in check with 8 points and 11 rebounds.  Quincy Taylor had a good night on the glass with 12 boards.  

Fitchburg shot 47% in the key second half and 43% overall. They were 14-17 from the free throw line as well.

MCLA was paced by Yearsley's team best 25 points.  He was 7-15 from the floor and battled second half foul trouble.  Quentin Gittens ended with 15 points and 7 assists while Bird ended his night with 11 points and 7 boards.

The Trailblazers shot 40% from the floor and just 31% in the closing half.