Bird, Cross combine for 37 points but MCLA tires late in 85-66 loss to Coast Guard

New London, CT- The Coast Guard Academy broke open a tight game by holding the MCLA Men's Basketball team scoreless over the final 8:23 as the Bears pulled away from the Trailblazers 85-66 in the Coaches vs. Cancer tipoff tournament finale.  With the setback, MCLA is now 0-3 on the season.  Coast Guard is now 2-1.

The Trailblazers were paced by the duo of Nolan Bird and Keiland Cross.  Bird tallied a team high 19 points and 9 rebounds while Cross added 18 points and 9 boards of his own.  Both players set career highs in those categories.  Joe Wiggins added 13 points for the Trailblazers.

MCLA led late in the first half 38-37 after George Felogloy drilled a three pointer.  The Bears immediately answered with a three of their own, but when MCLA's Merle Darling dropped one from 20 feet, it sent the Trailblazers to the locker room with a 41-40 advantage.

Coming out of the locker room, MCLA would extend out to a six point edge on two occasions, the last of which was at 60-54 before Coast Guard went on their game changing run.  An 8-2 spurt tied the game at 62-62 and after trading baskets, Coast Guard's Max Lampe knocked down a three to give them the lead for good 67-64.

Cross converted a transition jumper on the next possession, however MCLA wouldn't score the rest of the way.  MCLA went 0-12 from the floor during this stretch as Coast Guard finally put MCLA away.

Coast Guard was led by Sean Graytok's game high 25 point effort.  He was 9-10 from the floor.  Patrick Witkowski added 16 points and Max Lampe had 13 in the win.

Coast Guard shot a solid 50% from the floor compared to just 35% for the Trailblazers.

MCLA is back in action on Tuesday when they take the short trip to Williamstown to take on Williams College.