TROY, N.Y. – A single free-throw sealed history Friday night as Southern Vermont College senior captain Taeshon Johnson (Charlotte, N.C.) became the ninth Mountaineer to record 1,000 career points.  Unfortunately, it came in a 98-86 loss to Mass. College of Liberal Arts in the first round of the Tri-State Shootout held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

                The Mountaineers (0-5) were behind early on and closed the gap after a first-half timeout.  However, the Trailblazers (1-3) held off the SVC surge enough to stay in front and come away with their first win of the season.

                Johnson needed only eight points entering the night to reach the career milestone, and his opportunity to hit the mark came with 10:17 left in the first half when he was awarded two shots from the line.  After getting his eighth of the night, the senior guard proceeded to chart game-highs of 27 points and 13 rebounds.  His scoring was put on hold with 12 minutes left to play in the game as he picked up a fourth foul, allowing MCLA to keep its lead and eventually come away with the win.

                "It was a big night for Tae," commented SVC head coach Michael McDonough.  "It's unfortunate that it came in a tough loss, but that doesn't reflect badly on the great career he's had to this point.  We're excited to see what else he will do this season."

                After the Trailblazers' quick separation in the early going, they led by double digits for a large portion of the first stanza.  Southern Vermont refused to let MCLA run away with the game and was able to get within eight at the break.  The lead was cut to just four soon into the second half, but Johnson's departure led to a Trailblazer extension of their advantage until the final horn.

                Johnson was followed in points by sophomore captain Jermaine Campbell (Bridgeport, Conn.) with 18, also adding seven rebounds and four steals in the effort.  Sophomore Tarvaris Jenkins (Chicago, Ill.) netted 14, while freshman Jacob Schongar (Lansingburgh, N.Y.) chipped in with 10.

                MCLA saw five players hit double digits, with Vernon Cross (Colonie, N.Y.) leading the way at 21.  Ruben DelRosario (Springfield, Mass.) and Paul Maurice (Boston, Mass.) both had 14 off the bench for the Trailblazers, while Bilal Shabazz (Schenectady, N.Y.) and John Jones (Worcester, Mass.) each had 11.

                Southern Vermont looks to bounce back in Saturday's consolation game against St. Joseph's (Vt.) at 1 p.m. as MCLA takes on R.P.I. in the Tri-State Championship at 3 p.m.  R.P.I. knocked off St. Joe's 105-75 in Friday's nightcap.