BROCKTON, Mass. ---- The Massasoit men's basketball team trailed by as much as 11 points in the second half, but rallied to claim a 74-67 comeback victory over CCRI on Tuesday night at the Asiaf Field House.
Massasoit (3-5, 3-5 Region XXI) was led by guard Trey Jones (Mattapan) who finished with a game-high 24 points, 17 coming in the second half. Jones added eight assists and five steals to his stat line.
Also reaching double figures was Jahleel Moise (20) and Leland Jackson (16), both from Brockton. Moise shot 9-of-12 from the field and totaled 11 rebounds and seven blocks, while Jackson chipped with 10 boards for the double-double.
The Warriors also had steady play from guard William Baker (Brockton) who netted six clutch points in the second half and recorded eight helpers in the victory.
The win for Massasoit causes a three-way tie with CCRI and Dean College amongst the NJCAA Region XXI Division II teams, as all three colleges are 1-1 against each other.
Massasoit trailed 53-42 with 14:45 in the second half before mounting a 14-2 run to take the lead 56-55 off a Moise foul shot with 9:33 remaining. During the 12-point swing, Moise accounted for nine points.
Later on, Jackson converted a three-point play with 7:07 left to own a 61-58 advantage, as the Warriors would stay on top the rest of the way.
In the game's final minute, Moise came up with two big blocks and hit a jump shot, while Baker and Jones went a perfect 4-for-4 at the line to preserve the victory.
CCRI fell to 6-3 overall and suffered its first Region XXI defeat of the season (6-1). The Knights were led by Mookie Young's 21 points.
WHY MASSASOIT WON: The Warriors played well in all facets of the game. Massasoit shot a season-high 53.7 percent (29-for-54) overall, 42.9 percent from 3-point range (6-of-14) and 76.9 percent (10-13) at the foul line. In addition, the Warriors shared the basketball, dishing out a season-best 21 assists and played strong defense in the second half surrendering only 25 points. In addition, the Warriors only committed 11 turnovers, and just four after halftime.
KEY SEQUENCE OF THE GAME: Clinging to a one-point lead, 68-67, Moise rejected a shot, which led to a CCRI turnover. On the ensuing possession the sophomore caught a pass on the base line and buried a jumper. Then on CCRI's next time down the court, Moise blocked his seventh and final shot of the night and Massasoit would go 4-for-4 at the line to close out the game.
STAT OF THE GAME: Massasoit finished with 21 assists on 29 made baskets. Baker and Jones each recorded eight helpers to lead the squad.
NEXT UP: The Warriors will travel to Bristol CC for 8 p.m. on Thursday.
