Worcester, MA- Looking to grab a more solid position on one of the top spots in the postseason, the Worcester State Men's Basketball team (9-12,6-2) is looking to make it five straight tonight as they look to complete the regular season sweep of the Bridgewater State Bears (9-13, 4-5). This will be the second meeting and full rematch of the 2024 MASCAC Championship meeting teams this season, and Worcester is prepared to set themselves up as a top contender in the conference tournament. Today's game is also played in conjunction with the Rosen Cancer Awareness Fund created by Gregg '86 and Pam '87 Rosen, which aims to provide a robust curriculum that supports peer to peer education regarding early cancer detection. Raising Awareness in our young people, particularly Worcester State students in the field of public health, can effectively expedite these important educational initiatives to curb the prevalence of late stage cancer and increase longevity.
Final
Worcester State: 99
Bridgewater State: 86
How it Happened:
The Bears got off to a hot start in the first period with two points from Samuel Omisore. The Lancers would answer back with two of their own from senior Brandon Goris (Bronx, NY). Despite the strong efforts of the Lancers, the Bears would hold a steady lead throughout the period with Josh Campbell and Sam Sweeney showing off on the court. Goris and sophomore Jaylen Kirkland (Gardner, MA) would ride the momentum of the energized crowd to take advantage of several Bridgewater mistakes but ultimately the Bears would end the first period leading 53-43.
As the second period began, the Lancers got off to a hot start with a three pointer from Kirkland. The Bears would hold on to their momentum by maintaining their 10 point lead with shots from Kikuba and Campbell for the early part of the second half, but Worcester would stay with their task. Graduate student Sam Davies would cut the deficit to one point with a three pointer that got the entire court pumping. Davies (Worcester, MA) would tie it at 68 with a basket and the Lancers would ride on that momentum to take the lead, completing the 20 point swing to claim the deep lead of the game. Junior Ayme Daguilh (West Boylston, MA) would propel the Lancers into their first lead with a three-pointer that energized the home fans. Back to back three-pointers by Kirkland and senior Suubi Nkugwa (Chelmsford, MA) would be the final dagger as the Lancers won it 99-86, completing an impressive comeback in front of an energized crowd.
Daguilh would lead the night with 26 points while Kirkland would record nine rebounds on the night.
What's Next:
The Lancers (10-12, 7-2) are back in action on Saturday afternoon when they head to Salem State as they look for an early 2025 revenge win over the vikings. Tipoff is set for 2pm.