Cross goes off for 38 points in MCLA loss to Bridgewater State
North Adams, MA-The visiting Bridgewater State University men's basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from the MCLA Trailblazers 81-62 tonight in MASCAC action. With the win, the Bears improve to 11-8 on the season and sit at 4-2 in the MASCAC. MCLA drops their eighth straight as they are now 2-15 on the season and 0-6 in the conference.
The loss took away from a great performance as MCLA's Keiland Cross went for 38 points in the loss.
The Bears would outscore MCLA 44-30 in the decisive second half to pull away. They quickly expanded their five point halftime lead into double digits and never looked back. They led by as many as 28 points in the closing half and were never threatened.
BSU never trailed in the opening half and lead by as many as ten on three occasions, but couldn't build the lead thanks to Cross. He single handedly kept MCLA in the game by scoring 14 straight points for the Trailblazers. With the score at 24-14 in favor of BSU, Cross would go on his run and after his final FT of the spurt; it was just 30-28 in favor of the Bears. BSU would eventually lead 37-32 at the half but Cross ended with 21 points including a trio of three pointers to lead all scorers. Michael Soares had 13 points in the first half in just 11 minutes off the bench in the half while Rocky DeAndrade added 10 for BSU.
Cross was 9-13 from the floor and 15-17 from the charity stripe for his 38 points. He would add 8 rebounds and 3 steals in the setback. He was the only Trailblazer in double figures as MCLA shot 44% in the game but did commit 23 turnovers.
The Bears placed three players in double figures led by Michael Soares' team best 19 point effort. Rocky DeAndrade added 15 points while Joseph Carty ended with 12 for the Bears. BSU collected 21 assists on 31 made FG's throughout the contest. They also out-rebounded MCLA 38-25 on the night. They shot 44% from the floor as well.
MCLA is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Worcester State.