Men's Hoop struggles in home opener, fall to RPI 81-44

North Adams, MA- Andreas Kontopidis scored 16 points and grabbed 6 rebounds as he led a balanced offensive attack for visiting RPI as the Engineers registered an 81-44 win over the MCLA Trailblazers in men's basketball action.  RPI improves to 5-3 on the season while MCLA drops to 1-6 overall.

Kontopidis was efficient going 7-12 from the floor.  He added three assists as well in the win.  

Patrick Mahoney added 15 points on 6-8 shooting and snagged 5 boards.  Mason Memmelaar collected 14 points off the RPI bench and Tom Horvat ended with 10 points.  Kevin Davis, who didn't score, led all players with 13 rebounds.

The game was tied at 8-8 early on following a three pointer from MCLA's George Felogloy, but the visitors then used a powerful 15-0 spurt to seize control and grab a 23-8 lead.  Mason Memmelaar scored ten points during the run that was capped off by Andreas Kontopidis' three pointer. 

RPI would never relinquish the lead and eventually take a commanding 47-18 lead at halftime.  The Engineers shot a solid 55% from the floor and assisted on 13 of 18 baskets.  They also outrebounded MCLA 24-15 in the opening half of play.  The RPI defense held the Trailblazers to just 20% shooting from the floor and forced 10 turnovers.

The second half was more of the same for the Engineers as they were never threatened.  The lead grew to as many as 46 points before settling for the final score.

RPI ended the game shooting 47% from the floor and held MCLA to just 27% on their attempts.  

No MCLA player scored in double figures as Ryan Wanek and Ki-Shawn Monroe ended with 7 points each.

The Trailblazers are back in action Thursday when they head to Rivier for another non league matchup.