MCLA Men pull away from Worcester 76-65
North Adams, MA- MCLA's Jamal Brown had a season high 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Trailblazers past Worcester State 76-65 this afternoon in North Adams. The win was MCLA's first in league play evening their record at 1-1 in the MASCAC (4-11 overall), while the Lancers drop to 2-1 in conference play (5-7 overall).
Worcester's Frank Stephenson led all scorers with a game high 21 points.
MCLA controlled play much of the opening half, however the Lancers battled back to knot the score at halftime at 33 apiece. The Trailblazers jumped out to a quick 9-2 advantage before Worcester rallied to tie the game at 17. The two teams traded hoops the rest of the way en route to the halftime score.
Stephenson had 14 points in the opening period to pace the Lancers. Brown led MCLA in the opening period with 10 points.
In the second period, both teams were trading narrow leads until MCLA pulled away late. With the score for the tenth time at 60, Worcester's Monte Goodwin jammed home a Robert Hunter inbounds pass for a slim 62-60 lead. MCLA would have the answer though as senior Chris Harris drilled a big three pointer putting the Trailblazers ahead to stay.
The Harris trey would trigger a game closing 16-3 run over the final 3:19 to seal the win. MCLA's Michael Young was a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line to preserve the lead.
Alongside Brown in double figures for MCLA was Harris, who would finish with 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Young would end his night with 13 points, while Vernon Cross came off the bench to add 12.
For Worcester, Stephenson added 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. Hunter would finish with 16 points and Goodwin 13.
MCLA will move on to host Westfield State this Tuesday at 7:30pm.