WORCESTER, Mass. – Worcester State honored their senior class on Saturday afternoon, but fell to the Framingham State Rams 65-55 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) women's basketball action at Brissette '88 Competition Court.
Prior to the game, Worcester State women's basketball recognized the contributions of five seniors, including Sarah Blomgren (Lunenburg, Mass.), Calli Korbey (Hopkinton, Mass.), Gigi LeMay (Grafton, Mass.), Emma Poplawski (Rowe, Mass.) and team manager Meg O'Day.
At halftime, the Lancers recognized Stanley Egbor '01, who was recently selected for induction in the MASCAC Hall of Fame. Egbor is the most highly decorated track and field athlete in Worcester State history. He was a six-time All-American with the Lancers and is still the Worcester State program record holder in the 55 meter dash, the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash.
Despite hanging tough with the Rams, Worcester State (11-13, 6-6 MASCAC) couldn't stop Framingham from posting their second consecutive undefeated conference season (12-0 MASCAC, 20-3).
Behind 23 points and 14 rebounds from sophomore Flannery O'Connor, the Rams extended their conference regular season winning streak to 25 games, dating back to February 2019.
LeMay had 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals, while Elizabeth Gallella (Tewskbury, Mass.) came off the bench to score 14 of her own. Erin Gallella (Tewksbury, Mass.) and Nyah Thomas (Attleboro, Mass.) had three assists apiece.
Leading 11-10 late in the first quarter the Rams spun off a 9-0 run to push their lead to 20-10 in the final seconds of the frame before allowing a Gigi LeMay layup in the final seconds to cut the lead to 20-12 after one quarter.
The Lancers chipped away early in the second, cutting the visitors lead to one point on another LeMay layup with just over four minutes to play in the half. The Rams would score the final six points of the half on a Katy Haidul lay-in and two baskets by O'Connor to head to the break leading 34-27.
In the third quarter the hosts cut their deficit to three points on an Elizabeth Gallella jumper, but the Rams would slowly build their lead back up late in the quarter leading 49-37 after another O'Connor bucket with under two to play in the third.
Framingham would lead by as much as 16 points after a Krysta Padellaro layup just over 60 seconds into the fourth quarter and the Rams would hold on for the 65-55 victory.
O'Connor paced all scorers with 23 points and 14 rebounds and adding in three blocks for the Rams. Haidul earned a double-double of her own with 16 points on 7-of-11 from the floor with twelve boards, three blocks and two steals.
Padellaro also scored 16 points while picking up six rebounds and Gwendolyn Capenter added nine points and a game-best six assists.
LeMay led the Lancers attack with 14 points and nine rebounds on 7-of-11 from the floor. Elizabeth Gallella added 14 points of her own while Erin Gallela chipped in nine points for the Lancers.
The Rams shot 47.2% from the field compared to the 35.4% make for the Lancers scoring 48 of their 65 points in the paint. The Lancers were able to capitalize on the Rams turnovers creating 20 points off turnovers compared to 12 points off turnovers for the Rams.
The Lancers and Rams have both booked a Top-4 spot in the MASCAC Tournament. Worcester State will host a quarterfinal game on Tuesday, February 22nd at 5:30 PM. Seedings and opponents will be announced after the conclusion of this weekend's games. The Rams earn a first-round bye and will host a MASCAC semi-final on Thursday evening against the lowest remaining seed.