By Adam Levine
Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams beat the MCLA Trailblazers with a score of 63-56 Feb. 8.
Framingham had four different players score in the double-digits and only gave up two shooting fouls throughout the entire game.
After a Rams’ layup, three different Rams each made a 3-point shot during the opening 3 minutes of the game. Their early 11-0 scoring run gave the Rams their largest lead of the game.
MCLA outscored Framingham 11-1 over the next 3 minutes. The Rams led by a score of 12-11.
With 11:34 remaining in the first half, the Trailblazers took their first lead by a score of 15-14.
Framingham tied the game twice over the next 5 minutes, but MCLA broke away.
The Trailblazers outscored the Rams 14-3 and held an 11-point lead.
In the remaining 25 seconds of the first half, Rams’ JD Okafor scored a layup.
The first half ended and the Trailblazers led by a score of 33-24.
MCLA started the first half by scoring a 3-point field goal. They led by 12 points.
Framingham responded by outscoring MCLA 16-2 over the next 9 minutes.
During this run, Framingham’s Ivan Nyantenji made two 3-point field goals. His second shot capped the Rams’ scoring run and gave them a lead over the Trailblazers.
Nyantenji said, “They gave me too much space.
“I know I’m a shooter - that’s what I do,” he added. Nyanteneji made another two 3-pointers during the rest of the game.
With 10:51 remaining in the game, MCLA tied the game by a score of 40-40.
Both teams went back and forth over the next 8 minutes. Five lead changes and three ties occurred before Framingham pulled away.
With 1 minute remaining in the game, Rams’ Juran Ligonde scored a dunk and gave Framingham a 5-point lead.
In the remaining minute of the game, despite MCLA making two 3-point shots, Framingham held onto their lead.
With 7 seconds left of the game, Ligonde made two free throws to bring Framingham’s lead back to 5 points.
In the final 2 seconds of the game, Rams’ Bryan Thompson secured Framingham’s 63-56 victory with a steal and a layup.
Thompson said, “It felt good to fight back.
“We came out the second half good and just did what we had to do,” he added.
Nyantenji said, “We should have held the lead at the beginning and kept pushing.
“The comeback was crazy, so it was really fun,” he added.
Framingham now holds a conference record of 2-8 and an overall record of 5-18.
Framingham will travel to Salem State for another MASCAC matchup Feb. 15.
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