Men's Basketball returns to action, fall to SVC 99-84

Bennington, VT- Southern Vermont's Mike Pierre went off to the tune of 47 points in leading the host Mountaineers past the visiting MCLA Trailblazers 99-84 this evening in non conference action.  Pierre scored 31 of his points in the opening half.  The senior was 17-25 from the floor and 9-10 from the line.  The 47 points are a career high.

The Mountaineers improve to 8-3 on the season while MCLA drops to 3-7.  The game marked the first for each team after their respective semester breaks.

SVC and Pierre started quickly.  Pierre accounted for SVC's first seven points jumping out to a quick 7-5 edge.  SVC never trailed again after that point and eventually moved out to a 23-15 lead.  Pierre would go on to tally 31 first half points as the hosts moved out to a commanding 59-41 advantage at the half.

In the closing half of play, MCLA made an early run at SVC.  Mike Demartinis' three point play pulled MCLA to within ten points at 73-63 with still 11:15 left to play.  After trading baskets, SVC scored the next five points to comfortably regain control.  They were never seriously threatened the rest of the way.

Andre Hodo added 13 point and 7 rebounds for the Mountaineers in the win.  Kyle Depollar added 6 assists on the night.  Aaron Murray came off the bench to score 6 points, but added 11 boards.  SVC shot 45% in the contest and turned over MCLA 22 times.

The game marked the return of three seniors for MCLA.  Keiland Cross notched a team best 16 points and 11 rebounds in his season debut.  Joe Wiggins added 12 points including a pair of threes, and Adam Conquest collected 10 points and 7 rebounds.  Antoine Montgomery chipped in with 10 points in the setback.  

The Trailblazers shot 41% in the contest and outrebounded SVC 48-34.

MCLA will open up MASCAC play on Saturday when they host Westfield State at 3pm.