FITCHBURG, Mass. – Sophomore Amy Assed (Millis, Mass.) recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in Nichols College's 79-64 loss at Fitchburg State Friday afternoon in non-conference women's basketball action at the Recreation Center.
 
Freshman Rebecca Cleary (Milford, N.H.) snared 10 rebounds in 12 minutes for the Bison while senior Taylor Daniels (Dudley, Mass.) scored 14 points and classmate Brittany Donovan (Newport, R.I.) compiled 13 points, six rebounds, and two steals.
 
Freshman Kyra Rose (Rockland, Mass.) racked up a double-double for the Falcons with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Michaela McTomney (Bellingham, Mass.) also posted a double-double with 19 points and 12 boards while freshman Jaliannette Marquez (Dracut, Mass.) collected seven points, 11 rebounds, and seven dimes.
 
The Falcons led 19-12 after one quarter behind 11 points from McTomney (4-of-5 FG), and led 45-30 at halftime. McTomney finished the first half with 13 while Rose had nine points – all in the second quarter. Nichols was led by Assad with eight points while Donovan and junior Brooke Packard (Dudley, Mass.) each netted six.
 
Nichols outscored the Falcons 15-8 in the third quarter to climb to within eight points at 53-45 heading into the fourth quarter. Daniels led the comeback with seven points and Cleary grabbed seven boards in the third. Fitchburg State scored the first five points of the fourth to open up a 58-45 lead, and the lead grew to 21 points (70-49) four minutes in following a three from sophomore Mercy Frimpong (Worcester, Mass.).
 
The Falcons knocked down 36 percent of their shots – including 12 from downtown – and held a 59-46 edge on the glass. The Bison made 34 percent of their shots and only committed 12 turnovers. However, the struggled from the charity stripe, sinking just 11 of their 23 attempts (48 percent).
 
All-Time Series
Tonight's contest marked the 32nd all-time meeting between Nichols College and Fitchburg State. The Falcons snapped a two-game losing skid in the series and extended their lead in the series to 19-13.
 
Next Games
Nichols (1-8) – Tuesday, January 3 @ Gordon, 5:30 p.m.
Fitchburg St. (5-3) – Wednesday, January 4 @ Westfield St., 7:30 p.m.