Bird nets career high 24 points but Trailblazers fall to Framingham State 70-60
Nolan Bird scored a career high 24 points in MCLA's loss to Framingham State on Wednesday night. He canned four three pointers in the contest, also a season high
Framingham, MA- The host Framingham State University Rams canned ten three pointers and placed four players in double figures as they pulled away in the second half for a 70-60 win over the MCLA Trailblazers. With the win, the Rams improve to 7-16 overall and sit at 4-6 in the conference. MCLA drops their 12th straight in falling to 2-19 overall and 0-10 in the MASCAC.
On senior night, the Rams were led seniors Bertholyn Alexandre, Daniel Gould, and Tim Mangano. Alexandre led the hosts with a double double of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Gould and Mangano each ended with 11 points in the win. Manny Payton came off the bench to add 11 points for FSU.
MCLA led for most of the first half as they held a 16-10 lead at the midway point and with 5:27 left, a Joe Wiggins dunk made it 25-21 in favor of the Trailblazers before the Rams rallied. They would get a key triple from Tom Costello to get within one and when Tyri Hampton drove for a bucket, the Rams had their first lead at 26-25. They would eventually lead 28-27 at the break.
The Rams never trailed in the second half as they gradually extended the lead. With the score at 40-38 in favor of FSU, the Rams would use an 8-2 spurt as Gould and Mangano fueled the run to take a 48-40 lead with 11:41 left to play. MCLA would get within six points at 57-51 after Nolan Bird's three pointer with 5:54 remaining, but the Rams were able to keep MCLA at bay. FSU went 8-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to put the game away.
Alexandre was 5-7 from the floor for his 15 point night. Gould hit a trio of three pointers to spear head his 11 point night while Mangano was 5-11 shooting and ended with 6 caroms.
The Trailblazers were paced by Bird's career best 24 point effort. He went 9-15 from the floor including a 4-8 showing from beyond the arc. Keiland Cross ended with 13 points and 6 rebounds for MCLA while Wiggins added 11 points and 3 steals.
The Trailblazers shot 44% from the floor while the Rams were at 43%. MCLA was hampered by 15 turnovers in the loss.
MCLA is back in action when they celebrate senior day on Saturday as they host Fitchburg State University at 1pm.