Men's basketball defeated by MASCAC foe Framingham State

North Adams, MA- The visiting Framingham State Men's Basketball team built a 15 point second half lead, saw MCLA narrow the gap to just six points, then used clutch free throw shooting in the final minutes to pull away from the Trailblazers 80-65 in MASCAC men's basketball action.  With the win, the Rams are now 7-9 overall and even their conference mark at 2-2.  The Trailblazers fall to 4-12 and sit at 1-3 in the MASCAC.

In the opening half, the Rams used a 13-0 run to break a 15-15 tie.  The lead was their largest of the half and was fueled by Charles Collins' 8 points during the run.  MCLA would trim it eight on two occasions, the last of which was on a Ruben DelRosario layup, however the Rams Ronnie DeBarros would answer and Framingham would lead 35-25 at halftime.

Framingham scored the first five points out of the locker room to build the 15 point cushion and led 40-25 with 18:24 remaining.  MCLA would then use a 10-0 spurt of their own to pull within five points at 40-35.  The run was capped by Jeremic Bennett's three pointer.  After trading baskets for a bit and the Rams now holding on to a 46-41 lead, Framingham would use their own 10-0 run to distance themselves.  Patrick Cuff had 7 points in the key surge.

MCLA mounted one last rally in the final minutes.  Trailing 63-48, got within six points at 65-59 with 3:26 to play.  The Rams would clamp down however, holding MCLA without a point until the 1:00 mark.  In that span, the Rams went 5-6 from the line sandwiched around a Ronnie DeBarros layup and led 72-59.  MCLA would never seriously threaten again sealing the win for the Rams.

The Rams placed four players in double figures led by DeBarros' game high 18 point effort.  He completed the double double by snagging 10 rebounds.  Collins would finish his night with 16 points and added 3 steals.  Cuff would finish with 11 points and 5 blocks while Daniel Gould had 10 points. 

MCLA was paced by Todd Hunt's team best 14 points.  Bennett would finish with 13 points and Ruben DelRosario chipped in with 10.  The Trailblazers shot just 31% from the floor.

MCLA will host Keene State on Thursday night in non league action before traveling to Westfield State on Saturday.