Men's Basketball drops thriller to Fitchburg State 77-75

North Adams, MA- The visiting Fitchburg State Men's basketball team earned their first MASCAC win of the season holding off the MCLA Trailblazers in a thrilling 77-75 victory.  The Falcons overcame three missed free throws in the final 12 seconds and a dodged a three point attempt at the buzzer to walk away with the win.

Mike Ingram-Rubin led all scorers with 23 points for Fitchburg State as they improve to 1-11 overall (1-2 MASCAC).  The Trailblazers were led by Jeremic Bennett's 22 points in defeat as they fall to 3-11 overall (1-2 MASCAC).

The second half featured eight lead changes and four ties.  Neither team led by more than six points over the final twenty minutes.  It was the Falcons', however that held a slim 74-71 lead with just two minutes to play.  MCLA then took the lead following a pair of Bennett jumpers to put the Trailblazers on top at 75-74 with just 48 seconds left.

Malcolm Dixon then drove the paint for Fitchburg as time was winding down on the shot clock.  He was fouled and calmly sank both free throws for a one point Falcon lead.  Bennett then drove to the middle of the lane and made what appeared to be the go ahead basket, however he was whistled for an offensive foul negating the hoop.

Forced to foul, MCLA sent Ingram-Rubin to the line with 12 seconds left.  The senior hit the first but missed on the second attempt.  Down two, Trailblazer John Jones drove the length of the floor but dribbled off his foot giving possession back to Fitchburg.  Another foul sent Anthony Muccioli to the line, but he missed both freebies with seven seconds left.

Fitchburg pressured the ball in the back court and Bennett was forced to take a contested three pointer as the clock wound down.  It fell harmlessly to the floor giving the Falcons the narrow victory.

MCLA jumped on the Falcons early sprinting out to a 19-9 lead following a pair of triples from Paul Maurice.  After trading baskets and the score at 21-11, Fitchburg went on an 11-2 run to get within a point at 23-22.  They eventually would knot the score at 27 after Leonny Burgos converted off a Malcolm Dixon steal. 

Neither side would lead by more than four points the rest of the half.   Fitchburg held a 43-40 lead in the waning seconds until Bennett drilled a desperation three pointer just before the buzzer evening the score at 43 at the half.

Ingram-Rubin was 7-13 from the floor and added 8 rebounds on the night.  Muccioli ended with 16 points.  Joining them in double figures were Burgos with 15 and Mo Molin chipped in with 12 points and 7 rebounds.  Fitchburg shot a solid 46% from the floor.

MCLA was led by Bennett who was 10-23 from the floor, but just 4-12 in the closing half.  John Jones added a double double of 20 points and 13 rebounds.  He also collected 5 steals.  Ramon Viches finished with 10 points.

The Trailblazers were doomed by a poor free throw shooting night going just 12-24 in the contest.

MCLA is back in action on Thursday when they host Sage in a non conference matchup at 7pm.