KEENE, N.H. 2/27/02 - Dave Stantial, had 35 points (one shy of his career high) and 16 rebounds to lead the Keene State College men's basketball team to a 106-90 victory over Fitchburg State in a ECAC quarterfinal game played at Spaulding Gym on Wednesday.

Keene State (23-4) set a new program record with its 23rd win of the season. The 1976-77 Owl team had the previous mark of 22 victories.

The top seeded Owls will host fourth seed Plymouth State in a semifinal contest on Saturday (2 p.m.) at Spaulding Gym.

PSC (17-10) advanced with its 97-70 win over Roger Williams University. It will be the fifth meetings between KSC and PSC this season. The Owls have won all the previous times.

Keene State appeared on its way to easy win over the eighth seeded Falcons. Leading 46-37 at halftime, the Owls extended their lead to 17 points (67-50) on a basket by Matt Wheeler with 14:12 to play. But the Falcons would come flying back, closing the led to just two points (75-73) on a hoop by Joe Howell (Norwalk, CT) at the 9:28 mark. Howell had a strong game for FSC finishing with 19 points and a game high 17 rebounds.

The Owls answered with 12-2 run to take command of the game. A basket by Stantial, who finished with seven three-pointers, put KSC back on top 85-73 with 6:43 to play. Chris Timson (Beverly, MA.) added 18 points and Jason Levecque (Westbrook, Me.) finished with a season high 15 points to lead KSC.

Chris DaCosta also had 19 points for FSC, which was making its first ECAC Tournament appearance since the 1985-86 season. The Falcons end their season with a 16-11 record.

After reaching the ECAC Championship game in 1997-98, Keene State had lost in opening round in 1998-99 and last year.

Keene State receiving votes in most recent d3hoops.com Top 25 poll (Feb. 24).