Women's Basketball Lances Worcester

FITCHBURG, MA: Fitchburg State women's basketball took down the Lancers of Worcester State in MASCAC action this afternoon.

THE BASICS:

- Date: 1/6/24

- Score: Fitchburg 81, Worcester 77

- Records: Fitchburg (4-9, 1-1 MASCAC), Worcester (1-12, 0-2 MASCAC)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  The first half started with the Lancers jumping out to an 8-2 lead. The Falcons would put together a run to tie the game up at 12-12. Worcester would struggle to find the bottom net, allowing Fitchburg to take the lead with a minute left in the first quarter. The first would end on a buzzer-beater by Caileen Hurley (Whitman, MA), giving the Falcons a 22-14 lead going into the second.

- The second quarter continued with the Falcons hitting shots and extending their lead to 33-19. Fitchburg hit two shots back-to-back, with a three from Olivia Almeida (Wilmington, MA) and a mid-range jumper by Stephanie Hart (Shirley, MA) to put the score at 38-21. The Lancers cut the lead slightly with two baskets in a row on second chance opportunities. The Falcons would close out the half leading 44-28 with another last second basket by Hart.  

- The second half started slowly for both teams. The Falcons started to get into foul trouble, giving the Lancers free throws and second chance points. They brought the score to 53-39. Cameron Watkins would string a couple of baskets together for Worcester, bringing the score to 56-45 in the Falcons favor.

- The Lancers cut the lead down to eight at the start of the fourth quarter before Hurley extended it back to ten on a made layup. Abby St. Martin hit a three-pointer, followed by two free throws from Lena Waldren and a layup by Katie Hurynowicz, bringing the visiting team back within two at 61-59. After a timeout and a Falcons turnover, the Lancers tied it up at 61-61 on another Watkins layup. Each team would trade baskets for the next few minutes, with no one gaining an upper hand. The Falcons regained the lead with three minutes left on numerous free throws after Lancer fouls. Fitchburg took a three-point lead into the final minute at 78-75. Hurynowicz would make it one on a layup before fouling out on the next defensive possession. Hart would put the game away with a pair of free throws, ending it at 81-77.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

-  Hart topped the Falcons with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

-  Hurynowicz finished with a game-high 27 points and 12 rebounds.

-  This marks the first win against Worcester State since 2018.

UP NEXT:

- Fitchburg State women's basketball will be back Wednesday against Regis at 5 PM here in Fitchburg.

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