WORCESTER — Fitchburg State senior Jordan Jones recorded a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to provide a silver lining in the Falcons’ 89-74 non-conference men’s basketball loss to host WPI on Saturday.
Fitchburg State (5-3) took a 9-7 lead to open the contest on a jumper from Jones, before WPI knotted the score, 12-12, when senior Jake Wisniewski connected on a layup. The Engineers regained the lead midway through the first half on a 3-pointer by junior Dakota Wheeler for a 17-14 advantage.
WPI (7-1) then went on a 17-2 run, capped by a Reid Walker layup, to extend its lead to 39-22. The Falcons answered back as Jones buried a 3-pointer, but the Engineers countered on a pair of free throws from Wheeler for the 45-27 advantage.
The Falcons chipped away at the deficit, with freshman Xavier Betancourt hitting a jumper and two free throws, while classmate Trevian Hinson added a bucket to make the score 45-35, before WPI took a 50-40 lead into the break on baskets from Walker and junior Ethan Harrell.
Following the break, Fitchburg State cut the deficit to 55-46 on a 3-pointer from senior Nicholas Tracy and a layup by senior Charles Doss, of Fitchburg. WPI responded with a bucket by junior Garret Stephenson, of Townsend, for a 63-47 lead.
The Falcons continued to battle, with Betancourt notching a jumper, before Walker answered for the Engineers to increase the lead to 76-54.
Betancourt and junior Anthony Diaz connected on baskets for the Falcons to make the score 81-68, but the Engineers secured the victory on a Lou Doherty 3-pointer.
In addition to Jones’ big game, Betancourt chipped in with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals for Fitchburg State. Walker paced the Engineers with a game-best 21 points and 12 boards. Stephenson added 17 points and seven rebounds.
Fitchburg State will next host Gordon College on Thursday for a 6 p.m. non-conference matchup. WPI will host Tufts University on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in non-conference action.