Conquest's double double leads MCLA men past UM Fort Kent 68-55 in season opener

North Adams, MA- Adam Conquest tallied game highs of 16 points and 11 rebounds in his debut in a Trailblazer uniform in leading the MCLA Men's Basketball program to a 68-55 win over visiting Maine Fort Kent this afternoon.  The Trailblazers broke open a tight game with a strong second half to pull away from the Bengals.

Paul Maurice came off the bench to score 11 points, while Ruben DelRosario, Tyriq Rochester, and Khalil Paul all had 10.

The Bengals were led by Joe McCloskey's 14 points.  Jake Rioux added 12 in a losing effort.

The first half was a nip and tuck affair as neither team led by more than five points.  The Trailblazers went into the locker room leading just 32-31.  With the score tied at 42 midway thru the second half, MCLA finally pulled away.

Maurice scored nine straight points for the Trailblazers to extend them out to a 51-42 lead with 7:22 remaining.  MCLA would continue the run and eventually move out to their largest lead at 65-48 following a Conquest jumper in the paint.

UMFK would trim the margin to eleven however they wouldn't seriously threaten the Trailblazers.

MCLA shot a solid 45% from the field compared to UMFK's 30%.  The Trailblazers held a commanding 50-33 edge off the glass.  MCLA did commit 15 turnovers in the game.

DelRosario added 5 assists while Paul collected 8 rebounds.

MCLA is back in action on Friday when they travel to Castleton State.