FITCHBURG, MA: In a spirited MASCAC basketball contest in Parkinson Gym, the Fitchburg State Falcons, despite a strong start, were unable to hold off the Bridgewater State Bears, falling 71-81.

THE BASICS:
DATE: 2/15/25
RECORDS: Bridgewater (10-14, 5-6 MASCAC), Fitchburg (5-18, 2-8 MASCAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The game kicked off with Fitchburg State taking an early lead, with Nathaniel Semedo (Bridgewater, MA) hitting a critical 3-pointer, assisted by Matthew Drayton (Boston, MA). Both Semedo and Drayton were on fire in the initial minutes, propelling the Falcons to an early 8-3 lead. Despite the strong start, Bridgewater State managed to close the first half with a 37-33 lead.

- The second half saw both teams trading leads in a see-saw battle. The Falcons made a strong pushback, highlighted by back-to-back scores from Semedo and Drayton. However, as the game unfolded, Bridgewater exploited lapses in the Falcons' defense, eventually securing a 10-point lead and winning the game.

- Aside from Semedo's impressive performance, where he scored a game-high 28 points, Matthew Drayton contributed an impressive 21-point performance. Jalin Pitts (Palatka, FL) dominated the boards for Fitchburg, finishing with eight rebounds.

- The Bears had a trio of top scorers in this one. Leading the way was Dante Kikuba, who had 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Josh Campbell was just behind him with 17 points and six rebounds. Sam Sweeney, while coming off the bench, put up 14 points and two rebounds.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Shooting: Bridgewater 44.4%, Fitchburg 35.9%
- 3PT: Fitchburg 45%, Bridgewater 26.9%
- Free Throws: Fitchburg 80%, Bridgewater 72%

UP NEXT:
The Falcons are slated to face Salem State next on February 19, 2025, while on the road at Salem with a 7:00 PM tipoff.

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