RENSSELAER, N.Y. - The Southern Vermont College men's basketball led Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts at the half but gave up a seven point lead as it lost 66-59 at the opening day of the Tri-State Shootout at RPI Saturday. Freshman guard Derrick Cenicola led the way for SVC with 17 points and four steals, including three triples.
MCLA rallied from the halftime deficit behind sophomore Chris Harris who had his second straight solid outing netting 17 points and collecting four steals. It was his three point shot at the 17 minute mark that gave MCLA the lead for keeps. Junior forward Jon Greenberg tallied a double-double in the win with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Mountaineers' Lance Spratling had a near double-double of his own with 16 points and nine rebounds as he shot 50% from the field. Senior forward Joe Karnik had a strong outing chipping in 14 points and three steals in only 27 minutes of play.
The Trailblazer defense was the story as they held the offensive minded Mountaineers to 33% shooting and forced 22 turnovers. MCLA was able to overcome their own turnovers (23) as they shot just over 46% for the game.
MCLA moves on to face RPI tomorrow afternoon in the tournament finals, while the Mountaineers face Albany Pharmacy College at 2:00 p.m.