Salem State Storms Past Fitchburg State 76-60

SALEM, Mass. –  Four Salem State players scored in double figures as the Vikings' balanced attack helped Salem State record a 76-60 victory over Fitchburg State in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action on Wednesday evening. The Vikings, with the win, improve to 4-16 on the season and 2-6 in conference while the Falcons go to 8-11 and 2-6 in the MASCAC. 

Tyra Scott (Methuen, Mass.) and Kia Fernandes (Wareham, Mass.) paced Salem State with 20 and 17 points apiece while Fernandes also added a game-high 12 rebounds amd six blocks. Angelina Marazzi (Manchester, N.H) led all players with 30 points in a losing effort.

Marazzi poured in eight first quarter points, helping Fitchburg State to a slim 17-14 lead after one. Trailing, 21-14 in the second quarter, State State's offense began to operate efficiently, connecting on 6-11 (54.5%) shots from the floor, as the Vikings erased a seven-point deficit. Six straight points by Fernandes drew the Vikings to within a point at 21-20, who finally regained the lead 27-25 after a basket by Irianis Delgado (Lynn, Mass.). Two free throws by Jadelen Harold (Nantucket, Mass.) temporarily gave back the Falcons a two-point advantage, but a 7-2 run to close the half put Salem State on top 35-32 at halftime.  

Marazzi led all scorers with 18 first half points on 7-9 (77.7%) shooting. Courtney Paschal (Waltham, Mass.) paced Salem State with nine points while Fernandes ended the half with eight.

The Vikings continued their run into the third quarter as the Salem State defense held Fitchburg State without a field goal over the first six minutes while outscoring the Falcons 18-3 to pull ahead 53-35. Scott and Natalie Mellinger (Beveley, Mass.) spearheaded the charge, recording seven points apiece in the quarter.

Marazzi finally broke the field goal drought for Fitchburg State with a layup at the 1:26 mark. However, the damage was done as the Vikings exited the quarter with a 60-38 lead. Salem State continued to produce on the offensive end, connecting on 8-17 (47.1%) of their shots while limiting Fitchburg State to 1-10 (10.0%) shooting from the floor.

Fernandes and Scott combined for 13 fourth quarter points to keep Salem State comfortably ahead despite being outscored 22-16 in the quarter. The Vikings connected on 8-9 (88.9%) free throws in the final quarter to cement the 76-57 victory.  

Mellinger ended the game with 14 points and four assists while Paschal had 13 points for the Vikings.

Catherine Coppinger (Boston, Mass.) had 11 points and 11 rebounds for Fitchburg State, which shot just 20-56 (35.7%) from the field.