Framingham State pulls away from MCLA women's basketball 68-44

Framingham, MA- The Framingham State women's basketball team received a game high 19 points from Nicole Bostic and Alycia Rackliffe notched 14 points and 10 rebounds in lifting the Rams past the MCLA Trailblazers 68-44 this afternoon in MASCAC action.  The win improves the Rams mark to 10-4 overall and they are now 2-2 in conference play.  MCLA has dropped four straight and are now 6-9 overall and 0-4 in the MASCAC.

The Rams broke open a three point halftime lead by holding MCLA to just 11 second half points. MCLA was just 4-22 from the floor in the closing half and committed 9 turnovers.

In the opening half, the Trailblazers stayed toe to toe with the Rams.  MCLA went ahead 22-19 on a Courtney McLaughin drive to the basket with 11:16 remaining in the frame.  They would lead by four points at 26-22 on a Courtney Durivage bucket, however the Rams would outscore MCLA 14-7 to close out the half and take a 36-33 lead into the locker room.

The pace of the opening half took its toll on MCLA as the Rams scored the first seven points out of the locker room to snag a 43-33 lead on Rackliffe's jumper.  A Brayleigh Hanlon trey brought MCLA within seven at 43-36, however the Rams would answer once again.  An 8-0 run pushed the lead out to 51-36 and forced an MCLA timeout.  That was as close as the Trailblazers would get however, as they Rams pulled away.

McLaughlin paced MCLA by collecting 13 points and a season best 11 rebounds to finish with a double double.  She added 4 assists and a pair of swipes.  Kayla Hotaling scored 13 points before fouling out late in the contest.

Bostic was 6-15 in collecting her 19 points.  Rackliffe went 7-17 from the floor, but was big on the glass and also blocked 5 shots.  Sarah Palace finished with 10 points. 

The Rams won the turnover battle as they forced MCLA into 17 compared to just 8 for the hosts.  Racklffe's efforts on the boards led to a 42-32 edge on the glass.

MCLA will return home looking to snap their slide on Thursday as they host Springfield College.