By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)
BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Chanelle Melton of Brockton put together her best game of the season for the Bridgewater State University women’s basketball team Wednesday night.
Melton delivered a three-point play with only 10.8 seconds remaining and the Bears got past the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, 58-55, at the Tinsley Center.
The Brockton High graduate, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the opener of the 2016-17 season, scored on a layup to give BSU the win in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference opener.
She was fouled on the play while driving the baseline and added the free throw for the three-point margin.
Melton had 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals as the Bears (4-9) defeated the Trailblazers for the 15th straight time.
“Each game some part of her game has been getting better and better,″ said coach Bridgett Casey. “The more games she plays, the better she’ll be. Physically, the knee is fine, but I think mentally a little bit at times she’s like, ’Can I do it?‴
The Bears fell behind, 18-4, after one quarter but rallied to get within 30-28 by halftime, using a 14-3 run.
Jennifer Whyte had 14 points and four assists for BSU.
Melton had tied the game at 53 with a layup and Kayla Carter scored for the Bears to make it 55-55.
“We’ve got things to work on, that’s pretty obvious,″ said Casey. ” But what we talked about is the fight that they had, being down 18-4 and coming back. You’re going to need that fight in the MASCAC every night. It’s going to be a grind″