School Name Goes Here

Fitchburg, MA -- Nate Simpson earned a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds to power the Salem State Vikings past the Fitchburg State Falcons 76-69 in a MASCAC conference game on Saturday afternoon.

The win improved Salem State's record to 9-14 and 7-3 in the conference, while Fitchburg State fell to 7-16 and 2-8 in the MASCAC.

Simpson was perfect from the field in the first  half (4-for-4) as he collected nine points and seven rebounds in the first 30 minutes. Brian Clark, who finished with 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting, also got off to a fast start with 11 first half points, but the Vikings still trailed 38-35 at the end of one period.

Salem State was unable to pull away until the final minutes as a three point basket by Tavone Wynder and a layup by Brian Clark gave the Vikings a five point lead with 58 seconds remaining.

Brennan Bennet, who scored nine of his 11 points in the second half, hit two big free throws to keep Salem State's lead at five, 74-69 with 58 seconds remaining.

Simpson preserved the victory with a huge block and  then hit two clutch shots from the free throw line to ice the game and make the final 76-69.

The Vikings held on in a closely contest by hitting the boards as they outrebounded Fitchburg State 49-30, including a 26-14 advantage in the second half.