ACPHS five take down Men’s Basketball 71-67

Albany, NY- Brett Richards scored 28 points leading the undermanned Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Services (ACPHS) to a 71-67 win over MCLA this afternoon at the Albert M. White Gymnasium. With the win ACPHS improves to 5-15 while the Trailblazers fall to 7-12.

In a first half that saw both teams struggle from the field it was the Trailblazers that took a slim 28-87 lead into the locker room.

A Jayden Mills 3-pointer six minutes into the second half would give MCLA a 43-37 advantage. However, four minutes later a Myles Washington three would tie the game at 47-47 and after a subsequent defensive stop, teammate Edgard Matias would hit from deep to give the Panthers their first lead (50-47) since early in the first half.

A pair of Jaylen Williams free throws would push the ACPHS lead to 56-50 with just under seven minutes to play. MCLA would answer with a quick 7-0 run as a Korey Greenland free throw would regain the lead for the Trailblazers making it 57-56 at the 5:21 mark.

After another Williams three, Brett Richards would take over scoring seven straight points to give the hosts the cushion necessary to hold off a late Trailblazer push. Richards would add four more free throws in the waning seconds to secure the 71-67 win for ACPHS.

JoJo Garcia with 15 points and Greenland with 14 led the Trailblazers in scoring. Greenland also grabbed 10 rebounds. Reece Racette finished with 11 points and nine rebounds while Amon Moore chipped in 10 points.

Richards had a game-high 28 points and 13 rebounds for the Panthers. Matias with 15 points and Williams with 13 points also had strong performances.

MCLA shot just 36% from the field including 10-33 (30.3%) from beyond the arc.

ACPHS shot 39.7% from the field and went 8-19 (42.1%) including 7-13 in the second half.

The Panthers will travel to Paul Smith's College this Friday for a 7pm tip.

The Trailblazers return to league play on Wednesday at 5:30pm when they travel to Framingham State.