Monroe makes plays late to lead MCLA to 61-59 win over Sarah Lawrence in Ken Wright consolation game

Amherst, MA- Mike Demartinis scored 15 points, including 12 in the second half, as the MCLA Men's Basketball team defeated Sarah Lawrence 61-59 in the consolation round of the Ken Wright invitational.  The Trailblazers improve to 1-1 while the Gryphons are now 0-2.  

MCLA led early by as many as 14 points, however this one was close throughout the second half.  Neither team led by more than six in the closing half of play that featured seven lead changes and five ties.  

Late in the half, the Gryphons led 56-53 after Enike Anyia's layup with 3:35 left to play.  Noah Yearsley scored on a drive to the basket to cut it to a one point game and MCLA would hold the Gryphons without a basket the rest of the way.

With 1:19 left, MCLA's Ki-Shawn Monroe was fouled and sent to the line for two.  He would make both shots giving the Trailblazers the lead 57-56.  Monroe then forced a Gryphon turnover and made two more FT's making it 59-56 with just one minute remaining.

Anyia was fouled in the act of shooting and would make both with 49 seconds remaining to pull SLC within one at 59-58.  Monroe would convert another jumper with 27 seconds left moving it to 61-58, but giving the Gryphons the final possession and a chance to send it to OT.

SLC's Malin Segal missed a triple but they got the offensive rebound, with just four seconds remaining, MCLA's Yearsley fouled Austin Jones from beyond the arc giving him three FT's and a chance to tie.  Jones, however, missed the first and made the second to make it 61-59.  He would miss the third FT intentionally, but MCLA corralled the loose ball and secured the win.

Demartinis scored his 15 points on 4-12 shooting while pulling down 7 rebounds. He was named to the all tourament team after averaging 17 points over the weekend.

Yearsley netted 14 points and knocked down a trio of three pointers, all of which came in the first half.  Monroe ended with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.  MCLA overcame a 28% shooting effort to earn the win.

The Gryphons were led by Anyia's game high 21 point effort on 7-14 shooting.  He completed the double double with 11 boards.  Jones finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.  SLC shot just 30% in the loss.

MCLA will host Williams College on Tuesday.