MCLA drops consolation game to SUNYIT 81-77

Staten Island, NY- The MCLA Men's Basketball team suffered its second defeat in as many days, falling to SUNYIT in the consolation round of the Tournament of Heroes 81-77.  The event was hosted by Staten Island University.  The Trailblazers drop to 3-8 overall, while the Wildcats earned their first win of the season, improving to 1-8.

John Jones led MCLA with a double double effort of 17 points and 16 rebounds.

The Trailblazers were down two heading into the locker room (35-33) and tied the game at 39 apiece.  MCLA would never lead in the second half.  The Wildcats would push out to their largest lead of the game at 70-56 before MCLA would mount a rally.

MCLA would use a 17-4 spurt to cut the margin to just one at 74-73 with 1:15 to play.  Paul Maurice drilled three triples in the run.  The Wildcats would answer with three straight free throws to stretch back out to a four point edge.  MCLA got within a pair again with just four seconds left, but SUNYIT would close out MCLA with two more clutch free throws.

Jones was 6-14 on the night in leading MCLA.  Maurice would finish with 17 as well, including a 4-7 performance from beyond the arc.  Dominique Bostick chipped in with 11 off the bench.

For the Wildcats, Desmian Greer had a game high 25 points, including a 15-17 showing from the charity stripe.  T'Andre Richardson finished with 17, while Ryan James added 15.

SUNYIT held a commanding edge at the FT line converting 37-45 from the line compared to 22-31 for MCLA. 

MCLA will be off until January 3rd when they travel to face Sage College.