MCLA runs past SVC in semester finale 86-63
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Trailblazers placed three players in double figures led by Kenny Suggs' team high 18 points as they defeated the Southern Vermont Mountaineers 86-63 this evening wrapping up semester play for both clubs. MCLA is now 3-6 overall, while SVC drops to 0-10.
SVC scored the opening seven points as Taeshon Johnson had five quicks points in the opening spurt. MCLA responded as Ramon Viches canned back to back three pointers to get the Trailblazers back in the game. The Mountaineers would then extend back out to an eight point lead on two occasions until MCLA put the clamps on defensively.
With SVC holding a 23-16 lead with 12:03 left in the opening half, MCLA would hold them to just seven points the rest of the half. MCLA used a 12-0 run to turn a 25-20 deficit into a 32-25 advantage. Following a SVC triple from Jacob Schongar that made it 32-28, MCLA scored the next six points to grab their largest first half lead at 38-28.
MCLA scored the first seven points of the second half to grab a double digit lead at 45-30 and never looked back. SVC never got within single digits in the closing period.
Suggs was a monster off the bench collecting his 18 points on 8-9 shooting. He completed the double double with 10 rebounds. Joining him in double figures were Ramon Viches, who had a season high 14 points while John Jones added 11. Bilal Shabazz had a good floor game with 6 assists and 4 steals.
Johnson led the Mountaineers with a game high 25 points. He added 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals. No other Mountaineers were in double figures.
SVC was hurt by 21 turnovers.
The Trailblazers are now off until December 30th when they travel to Staten Island.