MCLA Men hold off SVC in Tri State Shootout to claim first win 98-86

Rensselaer, NY- The MCLA Men's Basketball team placed five players in double figures and withstood a 25 point, 13 rebound effort from Southern Vermont's Taeshon Johnson, as the Trailblazers earned a 98-86 victory in the opening game of the Tri State Shootout.  With the win, MCLA improves to 1-3 and will await the winner of the RPI and St. Joe's (VT) nightcap.  SVC falls to 0-4.

Trailblazer Vernon Cross had a team high 21 points to lead MCLA.  Ruben DelRosario had his fourth straight double digit game netting 14 points along with freshman Paul Maurice.  Bilal Shabazz and John Jones each totaled 11.

MCLA held a double digit lead for much of the opening period before settling for a 47-39 halftime lead.  SVC would rally though behind Johnson, eventually trimming the lead to just four points at 60-56.  Johnson, however, would be saddled with his fourth foul with just under 12 minutes remaining and had to go to the bench.

MCLA would take advantage and eventually stretch back out to a double digit lead on the heels of Maurice's three pointer.  Forced to foul down the stretch, SVC would get as close as eight points, however the Trailblazers made their free throws to extend out and were never seriously challenged.

Jones finished with 10 boards to complete the double double while adding 3 steals. 

For SVC, Corey Christensen had a team high 10 rebounds in defeat.  Jermaine Campbell finished with 18 points and 4 steals.  Javaris Jenkins added 14 points while Jacob Schonger chipped in with 10.

MCLA owned a 51-43 edge on the glass but were hampered by 23 turnovers. 

MCLA shot 48% from the floor while SVC was just 39%.