Paul lifts MCLA past Worcester State 72-58 in Men's Basketball

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Men's basketball team overcame a sluggish start and received a game high 26 points from Khalil Paul in lifting the Trailblazers past Worcester State 72-58 in MASCAC action this afternoon.  The Trailblazers even their MASCAC mark at 1-1 (4-9 overall) while the Lancers (3-10) suffer their first conference loss.

Worcester jumped out fast against a sluggish MCLA squad leading 11-0 after five minutes of play forcing the Trailblazers to go to their bench.  Paul single handedly kept MCLA in the game as he ignited a 10-1 run by knocking down a three pointer ending the drought.  Worcester would push back out to a six point lead on two occasions, the last of which was at 24-18, before MCLA outscored the Lancers 15-3 over the final 6:11 to take a 33-27 lead at halftime. 

During the closing run of the half, Paul was outstanding.  He scored 11 straight points for MCLA pushing the Trailblazers in front 29-24, and then following a Lancer layup and free throw, he closed the half with a pair of free throws of his own to provide the halftime score.  He was 6-8 from the floor, including an impressive 4-5 from beyond the arc in collecting 18 points over the first twenty minutes.  He was the only player in double figures. 

MCLA started the game 0-6 in the opening Lancer spurt, however they ended 13-22 to shoot 46% in the half.  Worcester shot a solid 50% in the half.

In the second half, MCLA quickly moved out to a fourteen point lead on the heels of a 14-6 run to open the half.  They would extend out to their largest lead at 59-39 following a Careem Kirksey jumper with 7:31 before Worcester made one last push. 

The Lancers would cut the margin to ten on two occasions, the last of which was at 66-56 with just over a minute remaining, however MCLA would hold off Worcester to secure the win.

Paul was 9-11 from the floor and added 3 steals and a pair of assists.  He was the only Trailblazer in double figures.  Todd Hunt chipped in with 9 points and 8 rebounds.

The Lancers were paced by Ryan DiBernardo's 15 points, 13 of which came in the second half.  Paul Brooks finished with 12 point and 8 rebounds.  Charles Gunter had a solid all around night notching 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. 

MCLA will be back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Fitchburg State.