MCLA goes cold in loss at Framingham 63-44

Framingham, MA- The MCLA women's basketball team went ice cold late in the second half in a 63-44 loss at Framingham State.  The Trailblazers shot 14% from the field in the second half, which included the Rams outscoring MCLA 17-1 over the final 4:43.  The loss drops the Trailblazers to 1-3 in the league, 11-4 overall.  Framingham earned their first MASCAC win of the season to improve to 1-4 in the league and 6-8 overall.

The opening half saw both sides trade small leads as there were eight lead changes and six ties.  Over the majority of the half, neither team could expand their small advantage.  The Rams seemed to take control with a late 6-0 run covering the final 2:00 to take a 34-28 lead into the locker room.

Both teams were cold out of halftime as neither side registered a point until a three pointer from MCLA junior Molly Broda (Southampton, MA) four minutes into the half narrowed the gap to 34-31.  The Rams responded with a quick 6-1 run over the next two minutes pushing the lead back to eight points.

The Trailblazers would cut into the lead getting within three points on two occasions.  The latter came with 4:43 remaining on another Broda trey making the score 46-43. 

The pivotal moment in the game came in the next 33 seconds as Framingham's Kia Minor scored a quick two pushing the lead back to five.  After an MCLA missed layup, the Rams Toya Chester was fouled in the act of shooting.  MCLA Head Coach Holly McGovern argued the call, but was whistled for a technical foul.  Chester knocked in 3 of 4 from the line extending the Ram edge to eight at 51-43 with 4:10 to play.

MCLA would only muster a free throw late in the game as the Rams extended to the final margin.

The Trailblazers were led by Broda's 13 points while Freshmen Lucy Tremblay (East Greenbush, NY) added 11.  The Rams were led by Chester's game high of 20 while Minor added 13.

MCLA finished the contest shooting a paltry 25% from the floor, including the 14% second half (4-28).  They were also plagued by 21 turnovers.

The Trailblazers continue on the road on Saturday when they travel to Fitchburg State.