Bird's has career night but Trailblazer Men's Basketball falls in OT 95-92
Nashua, NH-- MCLA's Hayden Bird put on a historic performance as the senior delivered a career high 38 points and knocked down 12 three pointers, but the Trailblazer men's basketball team came up just short in overtime falling to Rivier 95-92. The Raiders improve to 1-1 on the season while MCLA (0-3) suffers their third straight loss to start the season.
Bird was 13-25 from the floor and 12-21 from beyond the arc. The twelve three pointers made are believed to be a school record. His final attempt of the night came as the horn sounded in overtime but was just off the mark.
The game featured six ties and 16 lead changes. MCLA led just 40-39 at halftime behind Bird's 20 points, but they would extend to their largest lead of the afternoon at 56-45 when Bird connected from deep with 14:48 remaining. Rivier would climb within two points at 61-58 and eventually tie things up at 68-68 with just over nine minutes left to play.
MCLA would push back out to a six point lead at 78-72 on another Bird trifecta, but Rivier once again pushed back. The Raiders would us a 9-3 spurt to tie things up at 81-81 with two and a half minutes to play. Each team could only muster up two points over the final few possessions. Bird had a chance to win it in regulation but his attempt fell short and the teams headed to OT.
MCLA took the lead 87-86 after Bird's three but Rivier answered. The teams swapped baskets and then Raider Will Parsons drilled a three of his own to give the hosts a 91-89 lead. MCLA's Quentin Gittens connected on one of two from the line to make it 91-90, but Rivier would hold MCLA without a basket over the next 1:30. Rivier would add three free throws to increase the lead to 94-90 until Gittens slammed one home with just 8 seconds left. Forced to foul immediately, Rivier made one of two to increase the lead to 95-92 leaving MCLA a desparation attempt to tie it. Bird got off a three but it wasn't meant to be and Rivier got the win.
Rivier was led by Miles Gilette's 33 point night. He was 12-22 from the floor and 4-6 from beyond the arc. He completed the double double with 16 rebounds. Parsons ended with 14 points while Kevin Redler and Nikolas Pignone each had 13. The Raiders shot 46% in the win.
Bird added 4 rebounds and an assist to his record setting night. Gittens had a great second half and ended with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Dylan Morris-Gray ended with 14 points and 8 boards. The Trailblazers shot 40% from the floor.
MCLA is back in action on Monday night at home when they host NVU-Johnson.