Women's hoop falters in fourth quarter in 72-59 loss to Framingham
North Adams, MA- The visiting Framingham State women's basketball team outscored MCLA 28-14 in the fourth quarter as they pulled away to a 72-59 MASCAC win in the Amsler Campus Center. The Rams are now 12-3 overall and improve to 3-1 in the league. MCLA falls to 6-8 on the season and are 1-3 in the conference.
The Rams trailed 45-44 heading into the fourth quarter, but quickly took the lead for keeps. Lauren Donahue connected on a three pointer to give them the lead at 47-45 and after a Trailblazer free throw, Mary Kate O'Day drilled one of her own to put the Rams on top 50-46. MCLA would never lead again as the Rams shot 54% from the floor in the closing quarter while holding the Trailblazers to the 14 points.
MCLA committed 26 turnovers in the game including 15 after halftime.
The opening quarter saw the Rams jump ahead 9-0 early before MCLA answered with a 7-0 spurt to get right back in it. The teams would each shoot the ball well in the quarter and the Rams held a 23-20 lead after one. From there, the Trailblazer defense ramped up the intensity as they held the Rams to just 2-14 shooting in the second quarter and easily took the lead. The Trailblazers would lead 32-27 at halftime as Courtney McLaughlin scored 9 first half points for MCLA.
FSU was paced by Raegan Mulherin's game high 14 points, however she had only four FT's after halftime. Monta Connolly ended with 12 points and 8 rebounds while Alycia Rackliffe added 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Rams. Quinn O'Connell finished with 10 points as well, all of which came in the second half.
The Rams shot 40% in the game and overcame the tough second quarter. They committed 21 turnovers themselves.
MCLA was led by Kayla Hotaling's 13 point, 8 rebound effort. Courtney McLaughlin came off the bench to score 13 points while Karina Mattera ended with 10.
The Rams held a 45-38 edge off the glass.
The Trailblazers are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Fitchburg State.