Men's Basketball drops a nailbiter to Hobart 70-67

Lancaster, PA- The MCLA Men's basketball team dropped their second straight game in the Spounagle Holiday Hoops tournament as the Trailblazers squandered a halftime lead in a 70-67 setback at the hands of Hobart College.  The Trailblazers drop to 2-9 overall heading into their MASCAC opener next week. 

Hobart improves to 6-3.

MCLA held a four point halftime lead and quickly moved out to a seven point edge on Todd Hunt's three pointer with 17:26 to play.  Hobart would battle back and use a 10-3 spurt to tie the game at 43 all with just under fifteen minutes remaining.

The Trailblazers answered with six straight points on a pair of three pointers to regain the lead, which they would then extend out to their largest lead of the half at 61-53 before Hobart began their rally.

Hobart used a 12-1 run to grab the lead at 65-62 with three minutes left.  MCLA would tie it on a free throw by Hunt, but Hobart's Andrew Hoy would nail a three pointer to give them the lead for good at 68-65.  MCLA got within a point on a pair of Anthony Barbosa free throws, but Hobart answered with a pair at the line of their own by Joe Gibbons.

MCLA had one last chance after forcing a turnover, but Ruben DelRosario's three at the buzzer hit the iron and Hobart earned the win.

Hunt and Ramon Viches paced MCLA with 14 points each.  Viches was named to the All Tournament team for his performances.  Paul Maurice added 12 for the Trailblazers. 

MCLA shot a solid 47% from the field.

The Trailblazers will battle Bridgewater State on Thursday in their MASCAC opener.