BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- There was disappointment at the end of the 2011-12 season for the Bridgewater State University men’s basketball team.

A three-year run of Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament championships and trips to the NCAA tourney had been halted.

There was, however, a bright light that emerged for the future that season.

Michael Lofton had stepped into the Bears’ rotation as a freshman, and in 18 minutes per game, he was the team’s second-leading rebounder (5.3) while averaging seven points.

The Mansfield High School graduate looked like a player who could develop into a key piece in the seasons ahead.

That has turned out to be the case as Lofton averaged a double-double (14.8 points, 10 rebounds) as a sophomore last season, making the All-MASCAC second team, and is averaging 16.6 points and 9.3 rebounds this season, earning a spot on the all-conference first team.

Lofton is one of the main reasons why BSU (16-11) is back in the NCAA Division 3 tourney, heading to Radnor, Pa., to play Cabrini College in the opening round at 7:30 on Friday night.

“He’s got an all-around game,’’ said Bears guard Brendan Monteiro of Brockton. “He’s a big man who can dribble the ball, shoot the ball. He’s definitely showed a lot of progression, a lot of toughness, in the years I’ve played with him.’’

Lofton was one of the first players used off the bench as a freshman and he picked up valuable experience that has come in handy.

“It helped a lot,’’ he said. “It gave me a lot of experience as a young freshman and I knew I had to take on more responsibility as a sophomore. I knew I had to step up because I had that experience playing as a freshman. It helped me being a leader on and off the court.’’

For the second straight season now, Lofton is leading the Bears in points and rebounds.

He has been given a lot of responsibility two seasons in a row and continues to respond.

“I definitely like having a lot of responsibility on my back,’’ said Lofton. “I feel as though the more responsibility for me, I think it’s going to push me to work harder, push me to be better than what I am.’’

Said BSU coach Joe Farroba: “The potential is still there for more. He’s a very good Division 3 player, but I still think there’s a lot more room to grow. If he can get more consistent with the perimeter shot, he’ll be better. But he’s such a game changer sometimes.’’

Lofton was named most valuable player of the MASCAC tournament after getting 24 points and 13 rebounds in the title game against Salem State.

In that win last Saturday, Lofton went over the 1,000-point barrier and has 1,013 points and 649 rebounds in 80 career games.

“It felt pretty good, it felt pretty wild,’’ Lofton said of getting to 1,000 points. “It was definitely a great feeling to get that done. And to get it in a championship game at Salem definitely felt good.

“I’m definitely happy with the progress I’ve made. I think I can always improve more. I definitely like the way I’ve improved from my freshman year to my junior year. I definitely got a lot better with being aggressive and more assertive than what I was in my previous years.’’

Now it’s off to Pennsylvania for the Bears’ first NCAA tourney appearance since 2011.

“I’m really looking forward to it,’’ said Lofton. “I can’t wait. It should be a great experience and it should definitely be fun.’’