Horton Leads Men's Basketball To Victory In MASCAC Opener

Worcester State 85, MCLA 71

Box Score

North Adams, MA --- The MCLA Men opened the MASCAC season by falling at home to Worcester State by a score of 85-71. With the loss, the Trailblazers dip to 6-7 while the Laners even their record at 6-6. Lancer senior forward Maurice Horton (Detroit, MI) had game highs of 23 points and 17 rebounds in the win.

MCLA was up early 5-4 before WSC went on a 16-4 spurt to take a commanding 20-9 edge with 10:49 left in the half. The Blue and Gold would lead by as many as 17 with six minutes remaining (30-17) and would end the period with a comfortable 38-24 advantage.

The Trailblazers were hindered by 28% shooting in the half compared to 54% for the visitors and WSC outrebounded the home team 29-9.

The second half was even in play as both teams scored 47 points in the second frame. Horton also scored 13 of his 23 points and dished out four of his five assists in the stanza.

Worcester State would continue lead by double-digits as the closest the Trailblazers would get was 12 points with 15 minutes left and again in the closing seconds of the contest. Ahead 50-38 at 15:17, WSC used an 11-0 run to go up 61-38 midway through the period.

MCLA tried everything they could do to get back into the game. They shot 50 percent from the field (12-for-24) in the final 10 minutes and held advantages of points off turnovers (23-5) and second chance points (12-2), but defended poorly as they allowed Worcester State to connect for 11 of their last 16 shots from the field.

The Lancers were also paced by senior Pat Hamilton (Templeton, MA) and Tim Henault (Lunenburg, MA) who scored equal marks of 12 points. Junior Dave Douillette (Bridgewater, MA) and freshman Monte Goodwin (Boston, MA) combined for 16 points off the bench while sophomore Raynaldi Voyard (Leominster, MA) had a great all-around game with 5 points, 7 caroms, 4 assists and a pair of blocks.

MCLA was led by three players in double figures with junior Jon Greenberg (Antwerp, Belgium) (12), senior Mike Perreault (Whitinsville, MA) (11), and sophomore Chris Harris (Dorchester, MA) (10) leading the way.

The Lancers shot a torrid 58% in the game compared to the hosts 35%. Worcester also finished with a commanding edge on the glass, outrebounding MCLA 50-28.

WSC's bench narrowly outscored their counterparts as they had a 39-35 edge in the category.

Both teams continue conference play on Tuesday when they play games with an 8 PM tip-off. Worcester State will host Westfield State while MCLA will head to Salem State.

Minor Portions of Release Courtesy of MCLA Sports Information