MCLA Pushes Past Fitchburg State, 66-60

Henneberry paces Falcons offense with a game-high 20 points 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (January 19, 2013) – The MCLA Trailblazers remained unbeaten in the MASCAC this afternoon, rallying past Fitchburg State, 66-60 in men's basketball action.

The Trailblazers victory marked their fifth straight, all in league play, in moving to 8-9 overall, and a perfect 5-0 in the MASCAC.  The Falcons drop to 8-7 overall, and 1-4 in conference play.

The game was tight throughout as no team led by more than eight points.  Both teams had advantages in the closing half, however it was MCLA that made some key plays down the stretch to earn the hard fought victory.

After MCLA tied the game at 55-55 on a Paul Maurice three pointer with 3:41 left, Fitchburg State responded with a conventional three point play from Tom Henneberry (Lexington, Mass./Lexington) to go back up three.  After trading baskets and the score at 60-57 in favor of Fitchburg, MCLA would close the game by scoring the final nine points.

Trailblazer captain Vernon Cross converted consecutive drives to the basket to put MCLA up one at 61-60 with 1:24 left to play.  On the ensuing possession, the Falcons came up empty on a pair of attempts, and forced Fitchburg State to foul 

Richard Johnson would knock down the first and miss the second.  A hustling Johnson tracked down the loose ball as MCLA retained possession with just 19 seconds left holding a three point lead.  Another Fitchburg foul sent John Jones to the line and he converted both ends to stretch out to a 65-60 advantage. 

Henneberry led Fitchburg with a game high 20 points on 8-14 shooting.  He was the only Falcon in double figures while Zach Valliere (Douglas, Mass./Douglas) grabbed a game best 11 boards.  The Falcons shot just 36% and were forced into 26 turnovers.

Fitchburg State returns to action on Tuesday as it hosts Westfield State at 7:30 p.m. MCLA will look to stay atop the MASCAC on Wednesday when they travel to Bridgewater State.