Men's Basketball drops nail biter in overtime to Castleton 98-97

North Adams, MA- Castleton University's Chad Copeland scored in the paint with two seconds remaining to lift the Spartans past the MCLA Trailblazers 98-97 in overtime in an up tempo game at the Amsler Campus Center Gym.  With the win, the Spartans even their mark at 1-1 while MCLA is now 2-2.

Copeland finished off his big night with a game high 27 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Spartans.  Rob Coloutti finished with 26 points including 8 three pointers.  Josh Horton ended with 13 points, while Julian Santos Molina dished out 7 assists.

The Spartans trailed for most of the game but had a great chance to win it in regulation.  With the game tied at 90-90, the Spartans got a defensive stop and had possession as time winded down.  Castleton's Pavin Parrish drove the lane and was fouled with two ticks left sending him to the line for two.  He missed both free throws in essence sending the game into overtime.

In the OT, MCLA took the lead on a Joe Wiggins free throw with 23 seconds remaining setting the stage for the final possession.  Copeland worked hard for position in the paint and lofted a six footer over the outstretched arm of Dakari Hannah Wornum and swished it through.  MCLA's desparation heave was off the mark and gave Castleton the close victory.

The game featured an up tempo style as both programs combined for 69 three point shots.  The Spartans went 16-42 from beyond the arc while the Trailblazers were 9-27 from deep.

MCLA's Paul Maurice just missed out on a triple double collecting a team high 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 9 assists.  He also canned three shots from beyond the arc.  Careem Kirksey ended with 18 points before fouling out.  Khalil Paul ended with 17 including 14 in the second half.  Joe Wiggins came off the bench to score 16 points and grabbed 8 boards.

Castleton overcame 37% shooting to earn the win.  MCLA shot 40% in the game.

The Trailblazers return to the court on Tuesday night when they host Williams at 7pm.