3-Pointers Key for Pittsfield in Win over Lenox

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The old saying “Three is better than two” is exactly what Pittsfield (5-6) lived by in its 63-57 win over Lenox (9-3) on Tuesday night.

 

Right from the opening whistle, Christian Pringle knocked down three 3-pointers to help get the Generals going early. Pittsfield combined for 12 3-pointers in the game.

 

Combined with great defense and high energy its no wonder Pittsfield jumped out to a 21-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. Lenox was sloppy with the ball and couldn’t handle the pressure very well in the first quarter, giving Pittsfield the start they needed.

 

“If we go out and play the defense we know we can play, it gives us a chance in every game no matter who the opponent is,” Pittsfield coach Brandon Mauer said.

 

That momentum carried over into the second quarter as Pittsfield continued to keep the pressure on Lenox. The Generals continued to move the ball well on offense, breaking down the Lenox zone and getting good chances at the hoop.

 

Midway through the quarter, Lenox started to settle in a little bit, getting shots to fall down. The Millionaires looked like they were primed for a run until the three ball from Pittsfield proved to be an issue once again. Lenox cut the deficit to eight points, but LaQuan Brown and Criag Jackson combined for three straight triples in a row, sparking a 9-0 run just before the half. Craig Jackson finished with 21 points, and LaQuan Brown added 15 on five 3-pointers. The Generals took a 40-23 lead going into the break.

 

After half-time, both teams continued to battle back and forth until late in the quarter. Just when it seemed like Lenox was going to crawl back in the game, it was that duo of Brown and Jackson who got things going again with back to back three at the end of the quarter to give Pittsfield a 20-point lead.

 

“Jackson has been our motor all season long, When he’s finding other people and getting his own offense at the same time, we can be a very talented offensive team, its just when the ball sticks its when we have our issues,” Mauer said.

 

Lenox never gave up though and it almost paid off for them in the fourth quarter. Pittsfield tried to slow the game down and run the clock out, but it seemed to play into the Millionaires hands. Lenox was able to cut the lead to single digits with 2:42 left in the game and started to get some steals on the defensive end. After a big 3-pointer to cut it to six, Pittsfield had to call on Ryan Jackson, who got a big rebound and put back followed by another basket late in the game to seal the deal.

 

This was a huge win for Pittsfield as they are halfway towards clinching a playoff berth with less than half the season remaining. The Generals will hope to keep things going against Wahconah Monday at home.

 

Lenox will try to regroup and try to get back on track with this impressive season so far. They take on Mount Greylock at home on Friday.