Fitzpatrick’s Late Heroics Propel Pride to Road Win

FITCHBURG, Mass. — Regis College men's basketball traveled to non-conference foe Fitchburg State University on Saturday for a midday matchup with the Falcons, using a strong second-half surge to pull out a 71-68 victory in the closing seconds and improve to 8-4 on the season.

The Pride put together a balanced offensive effort, with four players scoring in double figures. Tyrone Chinn paced the offense with 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting while adding 10 rebounds. Ned Fitzpatrick and Jeffrey Herbin contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, while Aamyr Sullivan rounded out the scoring with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

For the Falcons, Jalen Jackson led the way with 17 points and six rebounds, while Nicolas Von Zboray added 11 points in the effort.

How it Happened

Four minutes into the action, a Ned Fitzpatrick three-pointer tied the game at seven, but the Falcons responded with back-to-back baskets to take an 11-7 lead at the 15-minute mark. Fitchburg State maintained a slight edge and led by as many as seven for much of the half before a perfect trip to the charity stripe gave the Falcons their first double-digit advantage at 34-24 with 3:07 remaining. The Pride answered at the free-throw line as well, going 4-for-4 in the final 1:50 to head into the break trailing by just eight, 38-30.

Jeffrey Herbin opened the second half with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to five, but the Falcons responded and restored a double-digit lead at the 13:44 mark when a layup made it 47–37. Once again, the Pride used the free-throw line to fuel a comeback, as Raymond Johnson knocked down three of four attempts before Aamyr Sullivan buried a triple to pull Regis within four, 48–44, with 11 minutes remaining.

With just under nine minutes remaining, back-to-back three-pointers from Fitzpatrick ignited a 9–0 run that gave the Pride their first lead of the game at 55–54 with 7:36 to play. From there, seven lead changes followed before the Falcons regained a slim 68–67 advantage with 1:34 remaining. Both teams came up with several defensive stops until Fitzpatrick delivered the heroics, taking the inbound pass, driving into the lane, and pulling up for the go-ahead basket with 10 seconds left. The Falcons turned the ball over on a quick attempt on the ensuing possession, and Fitzpatrick sealed the game at the free-throw line, knocking down both shots to secure the 71–68 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Tyrone Chinn recorded the first double-double of his career, posting career highs of 18 points and 10 rebounds.
• Jeffrey Herbin has recorded back-to-back double-figure scoring performances for the first time this season.
• Ten of Fitzpatrick's 13 points came in the final nine minutes of the game during the Pride's rally.

Up Next

The Pride return home next Tuesday, January 6, when they host Gordon College at 5 p.m. on Higgins Court.