Maurice and Kirksey shine as Men's Hoop falters late in 80-73 loss to cross town foe Williams

North Adams, MA- The visiting Williams College Ephs received a game high 32 points from Dan Aronowitz as they pulled away in the final minute to defeat cross town foe MCLA 80-73 tonight in non conference action.  With the win, the Ephs remain unbeaten at 3-0 while the Trailblazers fall to 2-3 on the young season.

Aronowitz was 11-21 from the floor and a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe for Williams.  He added a team best 7 boards.

The game was tight throughout as the largest lead of the night was the final margin.  The teams traded the lead eight times and were tied three times.  With Williams leading 72-68 with under 2:30 to play, MCLA's Careem Kirksey drilled his fourth three of the night pulling the Trailblazers within one at 72-71 with 2:21 remaining.

Williams, who was cold from beyond the arc all night long, would respond on a Bobby Casey three on the ensuing possession pushing the lead back to four at 75-71.  The hosts responded with a Joe Wiggins runner with 44 seconds left, but they wouldn't score again.  Williams' Cole Teal hit the dagger by drilling his only triple of the game off a nice feed from Mike Greenman making it 78-73 with just 16 seconds left.  MCLA turned it over on the next possession and Williams walked away with the victory after Aronowitz added his final two points at the free throw line.

MCLA trailed at the half 45-39 as Williams outscored MCLA 16-4 to close the opening half.  The Trailblazers came out of the locker room inspired as they scored seven straight to take the lead at 46-45.  MCLA would eventually lead by six points at 55-49, but Williams whittled away at the deficit until the decisive final minutes.  

Kyle Scadlock came off the bench to post 12 points for the Ephs as he was the only other player in double figures.  Williams was hurt off the glass as MCLA outrebounded them 52-38 and the Ephs overcame a sluggish 6-25 performance from beyond the arc.

MCLA was paced by Paul Maurice's team best 20 points which included a 4-4 showing from three.  The senior added 8 rebounds and a pair of assists.  Careem Kirksey had a season high 18 points including four triples of his own.  Dakari Hannah Wornum posted 7 points, but a game high 14 rebounds and 5 blocks.  Khalil Paul added 11 caroms as well.

The Trailblazers shot 37% from the floor and committed 15 turnovers compared to just 7 for Williams.  MCLA is back in action after the holiday when they travel to NYU on Sunday afternoon.