TURNERS FALLS, Mass. – Jacob Howland scored 19 points Thursday to lead the McCann Tech boys basketball team to a 55-51 win over Franklin Tech in the first round of the Eagles’ season-opening invitational.

 

Howland scored seven in the second quarter as the Hornets (1-0) erased a one-point deficit and took a 33-25 lead into the break.

 

Franklin Tech cut into that lead in the third, but McCann Tech outscored its hosts, 12-10, in the last eight minutes to secure the win.

 

Walter Mazza hit a 3-pointer and went 2-for-2 at the line in that fourth quarter on his way to an eight-point night.

 

Eric Rougeau finished with 12 points after getting off to a hot start with an eight-point first quarter.

 

Colby Marko matched Mazza with eight.

 

McCann Tech goes back to Franklin Tech on Friday to face Mount Everett in the tournament’s championship game. Sheffield’s Eagles on Thursday beat Ware, 49-46, in the first round of the tourney.