Hannah-Wornum's career day lifts MCLA past Norwich 86-76 in home opener

North Adams, MA- Led by Dakari Hannah-Wornum's career high 19 points and 14 rebounds, the MCLA Men's basketball team broke into the win column by holding off Norwich University 86-76 in the Amsler Campus Center Gym.  The win marked the first in the career of head coach Anthony Skiffington and the Trailblazers even their early season record at 1-1.  The game marked the season opener for the Cadets as they are 0-1.

Hannah Wornum led five Trailblazers in double figures.  Khalil Paul ended with 16 points, while Joe Wiggins added 13.  Joining them were Paul Maurice with 12 and Adam Conquest with 11.

Norwich was paced by Mike Hogervorst's 26 point effort.  David Hampton added 12 in defeat.

MCLA stormed out of the gate leading 11-2 after a Hannah Wornum lay up.  The Trailblazers then extended the lead on the heels of a strong 26-8 run to grab a 40-14 advantage as the defense clamped down.  Norwich made just one of their first 21 field goal attempts.  MCLA would settle on a 53-30 halftime advantage before the Cadets made a game of it in the closing half.

Norwich used a 10-1 run out of the locker room to get within striking distance at 54-40 with 14:44 to play.  MCLA extended back to a 19 point lead (61-42) but the Cadets eventually got to single digits with under two minutes to play on a pair of Hampton free throws.

Conquest converted a layup at the other end to stem the tide and Norwich would get no closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Hannah Wornum was 7-8 from the floor and 5-6 from the charity stripe for his 19 points.  Paul had a solid floor game collecting 5 boards and 4 assists.  

Hogervorst went 10-19 from the floor for Norwich, but was just 6-11 from the line.  The Cadets shot just 25% in the opening half, but a solid 52% in the closing frame.

MCLA shot 45% from the floor for the game and overcame 20 turnovers in the win.

The Trailblazers are back in action Tuesday when they host Lyndon State at 7pm.