Trailblazers Stun Vikings, 73-72

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass.- Quentin Gittens (Pittsfield, Mass.) completed a perfect trip at the free throw line in the final six seconds of the game to give MCLA the 73-72 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) victory over Salem State on Wednesday night in Twohig Gymnasium. The Trailblazers improved their record to 12-10 and 6-4 in conference, while the Vikings dropped to 11-10 and 4-5.

Gittens led the Trailblazers with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Jake Bluestein (San Diego, Calif.) added 17 points off the bench in the victory. 

Michael Makiej (Andover, Mass.) led the Vikings with 28 points (11-17FG) while Liam Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) recorded a double-double with ten rebounds and 17 points in the effort. 

The game started with back-and-forth action before a Makiej triple gave the Vikings a five-point cushion (15-10) with 14:27 to play in the first. The Vikings would hold the slight edge until the nine-minute mark when a deep ball from the Trailblazers would put them ahead 21-19. Behind 10 unanswered points the Vikings would find themselves back in the driver's seat as they took the 29-23 lead with 4:55 to play in the first half. The Vikings would remain in control for the remainder of the first to head into the break ahead, 41-35.

At the half, Makiej lead the Vikings with 19 points, while Byrne and Jaden Castillo (Lawrence, Mass.) contributed seven rebounds and four assists, respectively.

The Vikings would find themselves ahead by nine after a three-point play from Castillo made it a 47-39 game with 16:39 to play in the game. However, the Trailblazers would use a trio of deep balls to make it a two-point game (53-51) before eventually reclaiming the lead after back-to-back triples made it a 58-55 game in their favor. The Trailblazers would hold the slight lead until Byrne tied the game at 69 with 1:06 to play. With under 30 seconds to go Castillo put his squad back on top (72-71) with another three-point play but Gittens would be the hero of the night after a perfect trip to the free throw line with six seconds to play would seal the Trailblazers 73-72 victory.

After tonight's loss, Salem State will be looking to bounce back as they travel to Worcester State University to face the Lancers this Saturday, February 10th, with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m.