Women's Basketball squanders halftime lead in 73-64 loss to Fitchburg State

North Adams, MA- Fitchburg State's Angelina Marazzi scored 22 points and helped the visiting Falcons overcome a halftime deficit as they went on to defeat the MCLA Trailblazers 73-64 in MASCAC action this evening.  The Falcons improve to 8-6 overall and sit at 2-1 in the MASCAC.  MCLA drops to 4-10 and is now 0-4 in the MASCAC.

MCLA came out firing on all cylinders as they sprinted out to a 28-18 lead after one quarter of play.  The Trailblazers shot a sizzling 59% in the opening quarter, but they couldn't keep up the pace.  The Falcons held MCLA to just six points in the second quarter as they climbed back to within three at halftime trailing just 34-31.

In the third quarter, the Falcons took the lead for keeps.  With the game knotted at 41-41, the Falcons took the lead on Catherine Coppinger's triple to go up 44-41.  They would never relinquish the lead again.  Coppinger's three started a 7-1 spurt for Fitchburg and they eventually led 51-48 after three quarters of play.

In the final quarter, the Falcons opened up a 63-55 lead with four minutes remaining on Emma Thompson's triple, but MCLA made one final push.  A Kylah Langston jumper and free throw cut the lead to five and then L'Rae Brundige knocked down a bucket to get within three points at 63-60 with under three minutes remaining.  A huge three from Mishelle Logie extended the lead back to six, but just one minute later, a Sam Gawron layup brought MCLA back within four points at 68-64.

Once again, the Falcons had the answer from deep.  This time, it was Payton Holmes who knocked one down with just 59 seconds left to put the Falcons up 71-64.  MCLA would get no closer the rest of the way giving the visitors the conference win.

Marazzi was outstanding as she went 9-20 from the floor for her 22 point night.  Coppinger added 13 points and collected a game high 20 rebounds for Fitchburg.  Thomson would end the contest with 13 points also.  Holmes came off the bench for her 10.

The Falcons shot 41% from the floor and owned a 53-42 edge off the glass led by Coppinger.

MCLA was paced by Brundige's team high 15 point night.  Kylah Langston added 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.  Mckenzie Robinson finished with 12 points while Courtney Pingelski added 10.

The Trailblazers ended the game shooting just 32% after their torrid start.

MCLA is back in action Friday with a non league tilt at Trinity.  Fitchburg State will host Worcester State on Saturday.