MCLA stages furious rally but come up just short in 89-86 loss at Keene

Keene, NH- The MCLA Men's basketball team rallied from a 15 point second half deficit and had a chance to send the game into overtime on the final possession, but host Keene State dodged a few attempts as they held on to beat the Trailblazers 89-86 this afternoon. 

Trailblazer Mike Muller's three point attempt was long with 4 seconds left and Ruben DelRosario grabbed the rebound and made a shot from beyond the arc, however it was waived off as it was released just after the final buzzer had sounded.

With the setback, MCLA is now 2-6 overall heading into Thursday's matchup against Southern Vermont in their final game of the semester.

MCLA had success with their full court pressure over the final four minutes when Keene was comfortably ahead by 13 points.  The Trailblazers forced the Owls into numerous turnovers and then benefitted from some poor free throw shooting by Keene to stay in the contest. 

With 1:30 left and Keene leading 82-72, the hosts missed a pair of free throws and MCLA's John Jones went coast to coast with the rebound and was fouled.  His FT brought MCLA within seven.  MCLA stole the ensuing inbounds pass and layed the ball in to cut it to 82-77 with just under a minute to play.

Keene was fouled and missed both attempt once again and DelRosario pulled up from 24 feet to make the score 82-80 in favor of Keene.  The Owls would finally make some FT's, however couldn't stop MCLA from getting layups on the other end.  With the score at 87-86, Keene's Ryan Martin would make a pair this time, setting the stage for a frantic final twenty seconds.

Trailblazer Vernon Cross fed Muller in the corner for a good look at a three, his attempt was long and batted towards the top of the key where DelRosario grabbed it.  Realizing he had to get behind the stripe, he was forced to take a dribble back only to hear the final buzzer go off just as he was going up for the shot allowing Keene to hold on for the win.

MCLA was led by John Jones' 20 points, including a 10-11 showing at the line.  He added 10 rebounds to complete the double double.  Cross would finish with 13 points.  Three Trailblazers, Bilal Shabazz, DelRosario, and Muller would each finish with 10 points.

Keene was paced by Martin's 16 points while Anthony Mariano had 15.  Rashad Wright added 13 points, while John Boyatsis and Tom Doyle each had 12.

Each team was playing their second game in as many days and it showed in the form of 24 turnovers apiece.  Keene was hurt by a 22-36 showing at the FT line compared to 27-31 effort from MCLA.

The Trailblazers will close the semester action on Thursday when they host Southern Vermont at 7pm.