Trailblazer Men earn non conference win over Fisher 77-66
Ray Viches collected 11 second half points including eight straight in a pivotal stretch in the half in the Trailblazers win over Fisher
North Adams, MA- The MCLA Trailblazer Men's basketball team rebounded from a loss earlier in the week as they used a strong second half to defeat visiting Fisher College 77-66 this afternoon in North Adams. With the win, the Trailblazers improve to 9-10 overall while Fisher drops to 6-16 overall.
The opening half saw six lead changes and four ties before Fisher settled with a 27-23 halftime lead. MCLA opened the second half quickly though scoring the first seven points to take a 30-27 lead. The hosts would continue to the run jumping out to a 37-31 lead only to see Fisher battle right back.
Each time MCLA would stretch out, the visiting Falcons would rush right back. MCLA twice led by six points before Fisher would tie the score on both occasions, the last of which was at 52 apiece. At that point, MCLA would use a 12-2 run started by a Ruben DelRosario three pointer as the Trailblazers grabbed a commanding 64-54 lead with just six minutes remaining.
Fisher answered with six straight of their own to cut the margin to four, only to see MCLA respond with five straight on the heels of another three pointer, this one from Paul Maurice, to essentially put the game out of reach.
The MCLA offense relied heavily on the three pointer, nailing nine on the night (9-17) shooting 53% from beyond the arc. The Trailblazers were led by DelRosario's team high 15 points. John Johns collected a double double, scoring 14 points and grabbing a game high 15 boards. He also added 5 assists. Ramon Viches was outstanding in the second half collecting all but two of his 13 points in the closing period.
Fisher College was led by Tyler Shular's game high 24 points off the bench. He was aided by an 11-11 showing at the charity stripe. He completed the double double with 11 rebounds and added 4 steals. Dana Hines also notched a double double putting up 10 points and 11 rebounds. Chris Green also finished with 10 points in the loss.
MCLA will return to MASCAC action looking to stay atop the standings when they travel to Salem State on Tuesday night at 7:30pm.