MCLA Men can't hold lead at SUNY-Canton, fall 79-73

Canton, NY- The MCLA Men's Basketball team held a nine point halftime lead but couldn't hold on as they fell to SUNY-Canton 79-73 Saturday afternoon.  With the loss, the Trailblazers fall to 2-7 on the season.  Canton moves to 6-3 overall.

MCLA had a trio of players in double figures led by Tyriq Rochester, who finished with 13 points.  Chris Harris and Michael Young chipped in with 11 points each.

The Trailblazers jumped out to the first half advantage led by Young who tallied 9 points off the bench while Harris added 8 for the 37-28 lead.

Early in the second half, MCLA seemed in control.  After Jamal Brown's putback with nineteen minutes left, MCLA led 41-32.  Canton used an 11-0 run to take a two point lead.  MCLA regained the lead on a few occasions, but failed to put Canton away.

With 1:28 left, MCLA's Vernon Cross buried a three to pull the Trailblazers within 73-71, however the hosts would outscore MCLA 6-2 down the stretch to pull out the win.

MCLA was outrebounded by Canton 47-35 in the contest.  Canton was led by Vonallen Pickett's 26 points on 10-12 shooting.  Woody Jules added a double double collecting 22 points and 12 caroms.  Scott Dixon finished with 11 rebounds as well.

MCLA wraps up semester play on Tuesday when they travel to NYU.