Demartinis leads MCLA to win over Medgar Evers 90-82
Springfield, MA- MCLA's Mike Demartinis tied a career high with 31 points as he led the Trailblazers to a come from behind 90-82 win over Medgar Evers this afternoon in the consolation round of the Western New England Invitational. The Trailblazers even their mark at 2-2 on the season. Medgar Evers is now 1-3.
MCLA trailed for the entire first half and eventually pulled to 40-38 at halftime. MCLA trailed 50-44 early in the second half before they started to surge behind Demartinis. He would score 22 of his 31 points in the second half.
MCLA would take their first lead of the afternoon on Antoine Montgomery's bucket to make it 56-55, but still with plenty of time remaining. A few minutes later, MCLA trailed 67-64, but Quran Davis scored on back to back possessions to give the Trailblazers the lead for keeps. That started a 13-4 run that increased the MCLA lead to 77-71 with six minutes left to play.
The lead grew to 11 points on Demartinis' layup at 85-74 and MCLA cruised home from there.
Demartinis was 10-21 from the floor and added 6 rebounds. Ki-Shawn Monroe had his best game of the early season with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. Noah Yearsley and Davis chipped in with 12 and 10 points respectively.
MCLA shot 43% in the win and overcame 15 turnovers.
Medgar Evers was paced by Keison McIntosh's 23 point effort. They were hampered by 23 turnovers.
The Trailblazers will face Castleton in non league play on Tuesday night on the road.