Box Score DANBURY, Conn. - Senior guard Kendall Robinson (East Patchogue, N.Y.) recorded team-highs of 23 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots as the Western Connecticut State University men's basketball team edged visiting non-league foe Fitchburg State University, 73-72, in its season opener on Saturday night at Feldman Arena. It also marked the opening game of the two-day Wolves Classic. 

With the win, WestConn improved to 1-0 overall, advancing to the tournament championship game tomorrow at 3 p.m. It will meet Springfield College which defeated Lehman College, 76-72 in the nightcap on Saturday.. The Falcons (now 0-3 overall) will play in the consolation game tomorrow at 1 p.m. against the Lightning.

The Wolves put forth a tenacious defensive effort as they forced the Falcons into 26 turnovers. They also outmuscled the visitors in the paint by a 38-22 margin.

Sophomore guard Keeshawn Jones (Middletown, N.Y.) chipped in with nine points for the hosts, while rookie guard Jaeden Carr (Ossining, N.Y.) added eight off the bench. 

Sophomore guard Frederick Siayor (Worcester, Mass.) led Fitchburg with a game-high 33 points which included seven shots from beyond-the-arc. Senior guard Tajahn Joyner (Hadley, Mass.) contributed 17 points, while junior forward Quincy Taylor (Boston, Mass.) pulled down a game-high 16 boards.

The contest was close throughout. The Wolves managed to seize a seven-point lead in the first half when senior forward Jaheim Young (Brooklyn, N.Y.) pounded home a layup. However, the Falcons closed the gap to 32-32 after hitting a free throw just before halftime. 

The Falcons grabbed a 43-42 lead early in the second stanza when Siayor drained a corner three-pointer. However, the Wolves responded with a 12-0 run. Jones capped the spurt when he scurried down the lane for a layup with 10:43 remaining.

But the visitors wouldn't go away. Trailing 68-61 with 41 seconds left, sophomore guard Nathaniel Semedo (Bridgewater, Mass.) banked home a three-pointer from the left wing. Moments later, Siayor swished one from nearly the same spot, slicing the WestConn lead to 68-67 with 32 ticks left on the clock.

It was all Robinson from there as he blocked a pair of shots in the final minute, knocked down 3-of-4 free throw attempts and threw down a furious two-handed dunk with two seconds left, giving WestConn a 73-69 lead. The Falcons connected on a half court heave at the buzzer, setting the count at 73-72. 

WestConn will look to capture the tournament crown Sunday afternoon.