NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- Castleton State's Chad Copeland scored in the paint with two seconds remaining to lift the Spartans past the MCLA Trailblazers, 98-97, in overtime in an up tempo game at the Amsler Campus Center Gym on Friday.

 

Copeland finished off his big night with a game-high 27 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Spartans (1-1). Rob Coloutti finished with 26 points including 8 3-pointers.

 

The Spartans trailed for most of the game but had a great chance to win it in regulation. With the game tied at 90-90, the Spartans got a defensive stop and had possession as time winded down. Castleton's Pavin Parrish drove the lane and was fouled with two ticks left sending him to the line for two. He missed both free throws in essence sending the game into overtime.

 

In the OT, MCLA (2-2) took the lead on a Joe Wiggins free throw with 23 seconds remaining setting the stage for the final possession. Copeland worked hard for position in the paint and lofted a 6-footer over the outstretched arm of Dakari Hannah Wornum and swished it through. MCLA's desparation heave was off the mark and gave Castleton the close victory.

 

MCLA hosts Williams on Tuesday at 7 p.m.