Trailblazers drop consolation game to CSJ 97-89

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Trailblazers fell this afternoon to the visiting College of St. Joseph (VT) 97-89 in the consolation round of the Tri State Shootout.  MCLA falls to 2-6 with the loss while CSJ moves to 7-6.

CSJ was led by Dre Anderson's 24 points while All Tournament team selection Ramel Anderson added 23.  Rahiem Smalls finished with 20.

MCLA was led by Ruben DelRosario's 30 points as he was named to the all tournament team.  He was joined in double figures by John Jones with 16.  Jones collected a double double with 16 caroms.

The opening half saw MCLA jump out to a double digit lead.  With the score at 18-17 in favor of the hosts, the Trailblazers used a 13-4 spurt to grab a 31-21 advantage with 4:20 left following a pair of Jeremic Bennett free throws.  CSJ would rally though, using a 13-1 run to grab a 34-32 lead in the final minute of play.  MCLA's Pete Vasil would come off the bench and drain a three pointer to give the Trailblazers a slim 35-34 lead at halftime.

The half saw six lead changes, however both teams shot poorly.  MCLA was just 26% from the floor while CSJ was at 31%.  The Trailblazers committed 12 first half turnovers compared to just 4 for CSJ.

CSJ took control early in the second half and never looked back.  They outscored MCLA 13-4 out of the locker room to move to 47-39 lead.  The margin would grow to as many as 14 at 59-45 before MCLA mounted a charge. 

The Trailblazers would get within three points on three different occasions, the last of which was at 89-86 with under a minute to play on a Paul Maurice layup.  CSJ would then score the next eight points before DelRosario three at the buzzer provided the final margin.

MCLA shot 41% from the floor while CSJ was at 42%.  MCLA finished with 21 turnovers compared to 11 for the Fighting Saints.

The Trailblazers wrap up semester play on Tuesday when they host Castleton State at 7pm.