Strong performances lift MCLA past Fisher 89-82
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Trailblazers made some key second half plays en route to an 89-82 victory over Fisher College. The win moves MCLA to 7-3, while Fisher falls to 3-11. The Trailblazers were led by a pair of 23 point performances from Chris Harris and Jon Greenberg. Jamal Brown added 19 points and a game high 13 rebounds (8 offensive).
MCLA used an early 9-0 run to turn a six point deficit into a three point lead at 15-12. A few minutes later and the score 22-21 in favor of the hosts, MCLA would get out and run to grab their largest first half lead at 40-31. Fisher would close the half on a 10-4 spurt, to cut the lead to 45-41 at the break. Harris 16 of his 23 in the opening period, while Brown sparked the surge with 9 points and 11 boards in the frame.
MCLA would open the lead back up in the second half behind the inside presence of Greenberg. The senior went 7 for 10 in the half, including some key three point plays. When MCLA took its largest lead of the half at 78-69 with 6:02 remaining on a Harris three, it looked as though the game was in hand.
Fisher would battle back though and claw to within a pair at 82-80 when Casey Purcell knocked home a free throw. Fisher would go one for five in the final two minutes however, as MCLA would secure the victory.
Harris' night included three from beyond the arc, while Bilal Shabazz added a season high 8 assists off the bench.
For the Falcons, Louis Williams dropped 23, including a pair of treys. Purcell would finish with 20 points. Joining them in double figures were Dennis Norford (13) and Daniel Nance (12) respectively.
MCLA wraps up the first semester of play and will be back in action following the New Year when they travel to NYU for their invitational tournament January 2nd and 3rd.