SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- 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 Saturday afternoon in the consolation round of the Western New England Invitational.

 

MCLA (2-2) 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 scored 22 of his 31 points in the second half.

 

MCLA took its 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, nine rebounds, and four assists.  Noah Yearsley and Davis chipped in with 12 and 10 points respectively. 

 

MCLA shot 43 percent in the win and overcame 15 turnovers.

 

Medgar Evers (1-3) was paced by Keison McIntosh's 23-point effort.

 

The Trailblazers will face Castleton State in non-league play on Tuesday night on the road.