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Posted: Jan 08, 2015

Turnovers plague MCLA in MASCAC loss to Bears

Turnovers plague MCLA in MASCAC loss to Bears
Box Score

North Adams, MA- The visiting Bridgewater State Bears pulled away in the second half behind a solid performance from Vanesa Conceicao as they handed the MCLA women's basketball team a 68-42 defeat in the MASCAC opener for both teams.  BSU improves to 7-5 overall while the Trailblazers even their mark at 6-6.

Conceicao tallied a career high 19 points, including 12 in the decisive second half.  Megan Boutilette chipped in with 14 points, including the 1,000th of her career late in the second half.  She completed the double double by snagging 10 rebounds.

The Bears broke open a close game in the opening minutes of the second half.  They led 31-24 at the break and MCLA scored the first basket to get within five, which was the closest they'd get.  The Bears would outscore MCLA 13-3 to seize control and take a commanding 44-29 lead on Conceicao's layup.  The Bears would extend the margin to 20 at 55-35 on a Boutilette layup and cruised home from there.

Defense ruled the opening half as Bridgewater forced 17 turnovers and held MCLA to just 19 field goal attempts.  The early pressure allowed the Bears to jump out to a 14-8 lead midway thru the half.  MCLA would chip away and eventually tie it up at 22-22 on Kayla Hotaling's three point play with 3:15 left til halftime.  The Bears responded by going on a 9-2 closing run, capped by Rachel Kusz' triple at the buzzer to give the visitors a 31-24 halftime lead. 

MCLA shot 53% in the half, however they only attempted the 19 shots.  BSU ended the first half shooting 44% on 32 attempts.

The Trailblazers were done in by 32 turnovers compared to just 13 for the Bears.  MCLA was paced by Kayla Hotaling's 13 points on 6-6 shooting.  She added 5 rebounds and 3 blocks.  She was the lone Trailblazers in double figures.

Conceicao was 8-15 from the floor and added 3 assists and 3 steals.  Boutilette went 7-15 from the field while adding 4 assists and 6 steals.  Chanelle Melton finished with 12 points.

MCLA is back in action on Saturday when they host Worcester State at 1pm.