Release Courtesy Of Fitchburg State Sports Information

Fitchburg, Mass. – Josh Bosworth scored ten of his 14 points in overtime and host Fitchburg State opened their 2015-16 home schedule with an 84-77 overtime triumph over visiting Clark University in non-conference men's basketball action at the Parkinson Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

In the opening minutes of the contests, Fitchburg State took a 6-2 lead on baskets by senior forwards Kwame Lee, Givaughn Jones as well as junior Leonny Burgos.

The Cougars responded with 10-0 run to take 12-6 advantage with just under 14 minutes to go in the first half as Joe Atkinson (Milford, Mass.) started the stretch with a layup, while sinking a shot from beyond the arc.

Midway through the first frame with Clark holding a 25-19 lead, the Falcons regained the lead (33-27), going a 16-2 stretch, aided by four points from both Burgos and Bosworth, while Jalen Williams and Christian Dunston added three points apiece as the Green and Gold took a slim 35-34 margin into the break.

Following intermission, the hosts expanded its lead to 12 (48-36) early in the second half on baskets from Burgos, Lee and senior Anthony Muccioli before Dunston hit knocked down a layup and a three ball with 14:33 remaining in regulation.

The Cougars battled back with 11 minutes left as junior David Mercier (Milford, Mass.) converted an and-one opportunity, sparking a 10-0 run for the visitors. With 6:40 left, Tyler Huffman (West Hartford, Conn.) regained the lead for Clark (54-52), hitting a shot from beyond arc before Dunston responded with his third three pointer of the contest for the Falcons.

In the final minute of regulation, newcomer Luca McCormick (Bradenton, Fla.) hit a jump shot to the visitors back on top, 68-66, only to have Lee sink a running layup to knot the score at 68 apiece to force the overtime period.

In the extra frame, the Green and Gold secured its first win on the season, outscoring the Cougars 16-9 over the five minute overtime period.

Fitchburg State shot 32-for-62 (51.6%) from the field, including 30.8% (4-for-13) from beyond the arc, while the Cougars finished 29-of-69 (42.0%) overall and 7-for-27 (25.9%) from three point range. The Falcons also held a narrow 39-38 margin in rebounds.

Burgos led the way for the Falcons, collecting a game-high 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and a pair of steals, while Bosworth added seven boards, two assists and a pair of steals to his stat line.

Atkinson finished with a career-high 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Huffman added 15 points, three boards and two assists for the Cougars.

Lamar Berk (Saint Augustine, Fla.) ended with a career-best 12 points, while Mercier added 12 points and eight rebounds before fouling out.

Clark University returns to the court on Friday November 20th, as they take on Endicott College in opening round of the 2015 Herb Kenny Tipoff Tournament, hosted by Wesleyan University.