Vikings Fall to Lancers in MASCAC Opener

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State men's basketball opened the new year on their home court as they welcomed Worcester State University for a Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) matchup. The Lancers secured the 85-53 victory behind an efficient shooting night from behind the arc (44.4%) to drop the Vikings to 0-1 in MASCAC play.

Chris MacDonald (Wakefield, Mass.) paced the Vikings with 14 points while Jaden Castillo (Lawrence, Mass.) and Jarret Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lancers were led by Ryan Rubenskas (Bridgewater, Mass.) who notched 20 points for the visitors while Aaron Nkrumah (Worcester, Mass.) contributed 17 of his own. Teammate, Tayjaun McKenzie (Boston, Mass.) added 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench in the victory.

How it Happened:

• The Lancers jumped out to a quick lead just three minutes into the game when they found themselves with the 11-2 edge forcing the Viking's hand at a timeout. The Vikings were able to cut into the Lancers lead coming out of the regroup when a layup and Macdonald three brought the home team within four.
• With just under ten minutes to play in the half, Liam Byrne (Melrose, Mass.) brought his squad within two before McKenzie scored seven points in under two minutes to put the Lancers ahead by double-digits (28-18).  Salem was able to cut into the lead throughout the remainder of the half before a last second shot put the Lancers back up 10 points (43-33) entering the break.    
• The Lancers scored 10 unanswered points to open the second half of play, to give them the 20-point cushion (53-33) over the home team. Shortly after, the Vikings began to chip away as they notched five unanswered points to bring the score to 53-38 in favor of Worcester.
• With nine minutes to play in the game the Lancers saw their biggest lead thus far after a steal and layup put the visitors ahead by 21 points (65-44). The Vikings tried to rally after a three from Josiah Green (Springfield, Mass.) brought his squad within 16, but that would be as close as the home team would get as the Lancers took the eventual 85-58 MASCAC victory.