BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University advanced to the championship game of the 2018 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament as the second-seeded Bears knocked off No. 3 MCLA, 102-93, on Thursday night.

 

The Bears improve to 17-9 on the season and advance to the MASCAC championship game for the 11th time in program history. Bridgewater will host No. 4 Fitchburg State University on Saturday afternoon. Fitchburg stunned top-seeded Salem State University in overtime, 90-81, in the other semifinal matchup. The Trailblazers end the 2017-18 campaign with an overall record of 10-16.

 

Three Bears scored at least 20 points with sophomore forward Rayshon Ward and senior guard Rocky DeAndrade leading the way with 25 points apiece.

 

Bridgewater overcame an outstanding effort from MCLA freshman guard Noah Yearsley (Averill Park, N.Y.). Yearsley poured in a game-high 31 points as he went 11-for-19 from the floor including an impressive 8-for-11 from three-point range. Five other Trailblazers scored in double figures.

 

Senior forward Joseph Wiggins (Pittsfield, Mass.) notched 15 points, while senior guard Keiland Cross (Pittsfield, Mass.) filled the stat sheet with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Senior forward Adam Conquest (Gardner, Mass.) added 11 points and six boards for MCLA and sophomore guard Ki-Shawn Monroe (Springfield, Mass.) notched ten points.