Fitchburg, Mass. – Senior guard Nicholas DaPrato (Marshfield, Mass.) erupted for a career-high 40 points – including six in the final 30 seconds of regulation to force overtime – and visiting Clark rallied to stun host Fitchburg State, 88-85 in non-league men's basketball action on Tuesday evening.
The win for the Cougars sends them to 3-0 for the first ever in the Paul Phillips era and denies first year Falcon head coach Titus Mandersonhis first coaching victory.
DaPrato's 40 point outburst are the most for a Clark men's player since Sean Fleming scored 40 in a 112-109 overtime loss to Southern Vermont back on January 3, 2003.
Remarkably for DaPrato, eight of his points came in the final 1:44 of when he helped the Cougars erase a 13-point deficit to force the extra session.
During the five minute overtime period, DaPrato continued his offensive exploits, nearly outscoring the Fitchburg team by himself as the Cougars pulled away down the stretch.
Things certainly looked bleak for Clark when anAnthony Muccioli layup and subsequent technical free throws from Lincoln Wright put the hosts up 70-57 with 1:44 to go.
Marcus Armstrong (Malden, Mass.) ignited the 17-4 run when he drilled a three-pointer and then finished inside after Lucas LaLima (Colts Neck, N.J.) stole the inbounds pass, making the score 70-62.
Another Falcon miscue led to two LaLima free throws, who brought the Cougars even closer at 70-64.
Wright made two more free throws for FSU to try to stem the tide but hoops from DaPrato andJoseph Atkinson (Milford, Mass.) and another three-pointer from DaPrato had Clark within one at 72-71 with 31 seconds to play.
Muccioli calmly sank a pair of freebies from the charity stripe on the Falcons' next trip down but DaPrato dropped in a deep triple to even the score with 16 seconds left.
Fitchburg State held for the game-winning shot, but Mike Ingram-Rubin's three-point attempt fell off the mark as regulation ended.
In the extra frame, Clark building an early seven point lead with a three from DaPrato and points from Andrew Musler (Belmont, Mass.) and Atkinson, but
Fitchburg State chipped away at the Cougar lead, coming within four (85-81) with a trey from Ingram-Rubin.
On its next possession, DaPrato made one free throw, but so did the Falcons' Mo Molin (Brockton, Mass.) on their possession. However, Molin was able to get his own rebound and Ingram-Rubin then followed with a huge three to bring Fitchburg State with one (86-85) with just 12 seconds remaining. Clark then turned to DaPrato again, who sank his two free throws, making the score 88-85.
Fitchburg State had a chance to tie the game on their final possession, but Armstrong was able to hassle Ingram-Rubin enough to force a desperation three from deep beyond the arc fell short, giving Clark the victory.
DaPrato shot 11-for-23 from the field, including 5-for-10 from behind the arc, while shooting 13-for-15 from the free throw line. He added seven rebounds and two assists in his 37 minutes of action.
Musler chipped in with his second consecutive double-double, totaling 13 points and ten boards, while Matthew Woods (Arlington, Mass.) came off the bench to add a career-best 11 points.
Ingram-Rubin led the Falcon attack with 21 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Josh Imadiyi helped out with 16 points and a game-best 13 rebounds.
Clark controlled the glass with a 54-45 advantage and made 11 three-pointers, but the Cougars only shot 37 percent from the floor (29-79).
The Cougars will return to the hardwood on Thursday when they host Wentworth in their home opener. Tip is slated for 6:00 p.m.