Worcester State 82, MCLA 78 OT
North Adams, MA --- Tied at 71 after regulation Worcester State
scored 11 in over-time to hold off MCLA, 82-78. All game the two
teams battled back and forth with many lead changes and ties in 45
minutes of play. At no point did either team hold more than a six
point lead on the other. Four Lancers finished in double figures.
Ryan Frassica lead the way with 22 points, followed by 14 points by
both Brandon Fortes and Patrick Hamilton, and Josh Barry's 11
points. The Trailblazers had two players in double figures with
Dave Bisesi 24 and 12 points from Shalka Rivers.
Worcester lead by one at the half, 41-40. Hamilton scored 12 points
in the first half to lead the Lancers. Bisesi and Jard Martin each
had nine at the break. The game was tight all throughout as the two
teams finished close in a stat categories.
In the second half the teams traded points back and forth. With
just over a minute left in regulation MCLA had a 71-69 lead, but
Fortes tied the game at 71 a piece. Both teams again traded off
opportunities with MCLA's potential game winning shot missed by
inches.
In over-time, MCLA would strike first on hoop by Henry Schrader
followed by Bisesi's three pointer. With a 5-point lead things
looked as if they were heading in the right direction, but a couple
fouls by the Trailblazers put Barry and Frassica on the line
bringing the game within two. The Lancers' leading scorer would
give them the lead for good when he hit a three giving Worcester a
77-76 lead. Untimely turnovers and being forced to foul, MCLA saw
their lead slip away in a game ending in a 82-78 heartbreaker.
MCLA (6-9, 1-2) has no time to rest as they travel to Salem State
to take on the MASCAC leading Vikings.
Worcester State improved to 8-9 overall and 1-3 in the MASCAC. They
will host Bridgewater State on Tuesday the 29th at 8:00pm.
Release Courtesy of MCLA Sports Information