Worcester, MA- Earlier this evening, the Lancers Men's Basketball team faced off in their opening MASCAC play, taking on the Vikings of Salem State to kick off the second half of their season. Worcester State, fresh from the holiday break, came out to secure their first conference win of 2023 by a score of 85-58. 

There was never much doubt that the Lancers would come out on top. Throughout the first half, the Lancers led by as many as 13, and would head into the half up 10, 44-33 and controlling the momentum of the game. 

The second half continued with more of the same for the Lancers as the team returned to the court with a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 20. Salem State did all they could to slow the pressure but could do nothing to stop a Lancer team that would make a statement to the rest of the conference with a 27-point MASCAC opening win. 

Four Lancers reached double-digits in points, with junior Ryan Rubenskas (Bridgewater, Mass.) pacing the squad with 20 and senior Tayjuan McKenzie (Boston, Mass.) coming off the bench to net 16 points. Graduate student Erik Bjorn (Holden,Mass.) led the Lancers with 12 rebounds to pair with his 11 points to complete the double-double. 

Worcester State will be back at it a week from today when they host Bridgewater State in their second conference showdown, looking to extend their MASCAC record to 2-0, and build upon an overall record that currently sits at an impressive 9-5.