Five Women's Basketball players notch double figures, but MCLA drops overtime heartbreaker to Rams 87-77

Framingham, MA- The Framingham State women's basketball team outscored MCLA 18-8 in overtime and Raegan Mulherin scored a game high 26 points to lead the Rams past visiting MCLA 87-77 in MASCAC action.  Framingham State improves to 11-7 overall and sits at 5-1 in the league.  The Trailblazers drop to 6-12 overall and are 2-4 in the conference.

MCLA led 19-15 after one quarter, however the Rams outscored MCLA 18-7 in the second to take a 33-26 halftime lead.  The Trailblazers would slice the deficit to just 48-44 heading to the home fourth and set up a dramatic finish.

With 7:47 left to play, Mulherin's triple put the host Rams in front 56-46.  MCLA would go on a 12-4 spurt to get within two at 60-58 after Erika Ryan's bucket with 4:13 to go, but Abbey Battaini answered with a three pointer to put Framingham up 63-58.

MCLA kept the surge going and finally pulled in front 64-63 when Ryan connected once again with 2:50 remaining.  The Rams would score four straight, capped off by Mary Kate O'Day's free throws making it 67-64 with 1:21 left.  MCLA's Courtney Pingelsk and FSU's Mulherin traded baskets, but Trailblazer Sam Gawron drilled a deep three with 39 seconds left to tie at 69-69.  Both teams had a chance in the final seconds of regulation but could not convert.

The OT session was all Rams.  With the score tied at 71-71, Framingham rattled off an 8-0 run fueled by a pair of triples as they led 79-71.  MCLA would get within six points at 81-75, but the Rams converted from the free throw line to earn the hard fought win.

Mulherin was just 8-21 from the floor but a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line for Framingham.  Mary Kate O'Day collected a double double effort of 17 points and 13 rebounds, she added 6 assists.  Tiphani Harris had her own double double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Lauren Donahue and Emily Velozo each had 13 points.  The Rams shot just 35% from the floor, but were aided by a 28-33 showing at the free throw line.

MCLA placed five players in double figures led by Emily Moulton's 14 point and 15 rebound performance.  She added 4 assists.  Pingelski led the team with 15 points and added 9 boards.  L'Rae Brundige notched 12 points while Gawron and Mckenzie Robinson each ended with 11 points.

The Trailblazers shot 38% from the floor and were 13-15 from the line.

MCLA is back in action on Saturday when they challenge Westfield State at 1pm.