Cross nets 22 points but MCLA falls to Framingham 64-59

North Adams, MA- The visiting Framingham State Men's Basketball team went 6-6 from the free throw line in the final minute of play as the held off the MCLA Trailblazers 64-59 in MASCAC action.  With the win, the Rams are now 6-10 overall and sit at 3-1 in the conference.  MCLA is now 2-12 overall and 0-4 in the MASCAC.

Framingham led at the half 32-29 and increased that lead to 37-29 with fifteen minutes remaining before MCLA clawed their way back.  MCLA got within a point at 43-42 on a driving Tyler McKay layup with 10:11 remaining but the Rams never relinquished the lead.  The Rams never led by more than five points the rest of the way and eventually held a 58-53 advantage with just 1:44 to play before MCLA rallied again.

A pair of Nolan Bird FT's cut it to three points and MCLA forced a turnover giving them the ball back.  Keiland Cross drove the lane and converted the layup and was fouled with just 27 seconds remaining.  He would miss the free throw however forcing MCLA to foul.  The Rams would connect on six straight free throws in the final seconds and Cross had another chance to tie it late, but his three pointer was off the mark giving the Rams the win.

In the opening half the Trailblazers started out hot beyond the arc as they jumped ahead early.  They led 8-2 early and eventually held their largest first half lead at 22-15 after a free throw from Keiland Cross.  From there though, the Rams went on an 11-0 spurt as their ramped up their defensive pressure to seize their first lead at 26-22.  MCLA went over nine minutes without a field goal and was 0-14 from the floor during that stretch.  Finally a Joe Wiggins jumper made it 28-25 and the teams would trade baskets heading into halftime with the Rams leading 32-29.

Wesley Ogbevoen led the Rams with 17 points including 13 in the closing half of play.  Tim Mangano and Manny Payton each had 11 points while Charles Valbrun added 10 off the bench.  Framingham shot a solid 46% in the win.

MCLA was paced by Cross' game high 22 point effort on 9-18 shooting.  Joe Wiggins and Tyler McKay added 11 points each.  The Trailblazers shot just 35% in the game.

The Trailblazers are back in action on Wednesday when the travel to Fitchburg State.