Bird scores 20 but MCLA falls to Division I opponent UMass-Lowell 109-45

Lowell, MA-- UMass-Lowell placed seven players in double figures and held the visiting MCLA men's basketball program to a season low point total as the River Hawks cruised past the Trailblazers 109-45 this afternoon in non conference action.  UMass-Lowell, who competes in the Division I America East Conference, improves to 7-4 on the season.  MCLA competed against a division I opponent for the first time since the late 80's.  They are now 5-6 on the season.

In the opening half the River Hawks never trailed.  They would outscore MCLA 51-22 as they shot a torrid 57% from the floor (20-35).  They connected on 7-13 attempts from three point range and held MCLA to just 25% shooting to surge ahead.

The second half was more of the same for the hosts as they continued their strong shooting effort while MCLA continued to struggle against the bigger River Hawks.  UML kept MCLA at bay with their solid shooting, but also imposed their will on the glass, especially in the second half.  The Trailblazers never threatened over the closing half.

UML's Darion Jordan-Thomas led the River Hawks with 17 points.  Starter Justin Faison added 14 points in the win.  In all, eleven River Hawks checked into the scoring column.

For MCLA, Hayden Bird continued his strong senior season.  He led all scorers with 20 points.  His afternoon included another great day from beyond the arc.  The senior knocked down six triples as he continues to lead the nation in 3 PFG made.  He was 6-15 from beyond the arc.   He was the only Trailblazer in double figures on the afternoon.

The game was a tremendous opportunity for the MCLA student-athletes to compete against the River Hawks.  The contest was added to the schedule over the last week due to cancellations on both sides due to the pandemic.

MCLA is now off until after the holiday break.  The Trailblazers will be back just after Christmas with a road game at CCNY.