Men's Basketball wins third straight, pulls away from Elms 86-67

North Adams, MA-- MCLA's Noah Yearsley scored a game best 23 points and the host Trailblazers outscored visiting Elms by 15 in the second half as they pulled away to their third straight win 86-67.  The Trailblazers (5-5) will wrap up play during the first semester with their toughest test of the season on Saturday as they head to Division I opponent UMass-Lowell.  Elms is still in search of their first win at 0-7.

Yearsley was balanced as he scored 12 points in the opening half and poured in 11 more in the second to lead the team.  With MCLA out in front just 42-38 at halftime, the Trailblazers came out firing as they quickly used a 10-0 spurt to start the half and increase the margin to 52-38.  Hayden Bird scored five points in the spurt while Yearsley connected from three point range.  

Elms would claw back and pull within seven points at 58-51 following a Tahquell Cadle bucket, but MCLA once again answered with another 10-0 spurt to put the game out of reach.  Yearsley scored five more points in the run as the Trailblazers now led 68-51 with nine minutes to play.  The spurt would continue as the hosts extended out as reserve Tyler Showers connected on two free throws and canned a three pointer of his own to make it 73-54.  MCLA was never threatened the rest of the way as both teams subbed freely late.

Yearsley was 8-18 from the floor which included a 7-14 night from beyond the arc.  Bird would chip in with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.  Quentin Gittens filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.  Guard Reece Racette only scored 2 points however he led all players with 15 rebounds and 8 assists in the win.

MCLA shot 50% from the floor in the win.

Elms was paced by D.J. Edelen's team high 17 point effort.  David Lopez added 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Blazers.