Trailblazer Men fall to Brandeis 83-68

North Adams, MA- Visiting Brandeis University scored the first five points and never looked back, leading wire to wire in besting MCLA 83-68 in a rematch of last year's ECAC New England Semifinals.  With the win, the Judges move to 4-5, while MCLA drops to 2-6. 

Brandeis placed four players in double figures led by Ben Bartoldus' 22 points.  Derek Retos added 21 points.  Each hit four three pointers on the night.  MCLA was led by season high 19 points from Chris Harris.

The Judges started quickly as Bartoldus scored the opening bucket and following a defensive stop, Retos connected from beyond the arc putting the Judges up 5-0.  They never looked back.  They stretched their lead to 15 points at 27-12 on a Vytas Kriskus layup midway through the opening half.  They led by as many as 18 points (45-27), before settling for a 45-31 lead at the break.

MCLA upped the intensity in the second half and got within nine on a Tito Pizzaro layup with 6:10 to play, but the Judges answered with another Retos triple putting them up 12.  MCLA never seriously threatened again.

The emotional game was a physical one.  Brandeis held a decisive edge from the free throw line shooting 27-37 for the game.  MCLA was only 11-19 in the contest.

Joining Bartoldus and Retos in double figures was Kriskus with 13 points and Youri Dascy, who finished with 11 points and a team high 9 rebounds.  Tyrone Hughes added 6 assists in the win.

For the Trailblazers, Tyrell Mosley added 11 points while Michael Young came off the bench to score 10.  Jamal Brown added a game high 14 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards for MCLA.

The Trailblazers will travel to SUNY-Canton on Saturday looking to get back on track.