MCLA Falls to Worcester State in OT
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All during the game, the two teams battled back and forth with many lead changes and ties in 45 minutes of play. At no point did either team hold more than a six-point lead on the other.
Four Lancers finished in double figures. Ryan Frassica lead the way with 22 points,
followed by 14 points by both Brandon Fortes and Patrick Hamilton, and Josh Barry's 11 points. The Trailblazers had two players in double figures - Dave Bisesi 24 and Shalka Rivers with 12.
Worcester lead by one at the half, 41-40. Hamilton scored 12 points in the first half to lead the Lancers. Bisesi and Jard Martin each had nine at the break. The game was tight all throughout as the two teams finished close in a stat categories.
In the second half, the teams traded points back and forth. With just over a minute left in regulation MCLA had a 71-69 lead, but Fortes tied the game at 71 a piece. Both teams again traded off opportunities - MCLA's potential game-winning shot missed by inches.
In overtime, MCLA would strike first on hoop by Henry Schrader followed by Bisesi's three-pointer. With a five-point lead, things looked as if they were heading in the right direction, but a couple fouls by the Trailblazers put Barry and Frassica on the line, bringing the game within two. The Lancers' leading scorer would give them the lead for good when he hit a three, giving Worcester a 76-77 lead. Untimely turnovers and being forced to foul, MCLA saw their lead slip away in a game ending in a 82-78 heartbreaker.
MCLA (6-9, 1-2) has no time to rest as they travel to Salem State to take on the MASCAC leading Vikings.
Worcester State improved to 8-9 overall and 1-3 in the MASCAC. They will host Bridgewater State on Tuesday, Feb. 29, at 8 p.m.
Box Score
