Worcester, MA- The Lancers (6-12, 3-2) are back in action after an intense Saturday that saw them claim victory over Framingham State. Worcester State journey's west to MCLA (3-14, 1-4) as they continue their conference schedule in a bid to grab a top seed in the postseason set to begin in just a month. After a slight delay due to a patch of weather on the journey, Worcester State would arrive in North Adams ready for the challenge.
Final
Worcester State: 71
MCLA: 70
How it Happened:
The matchup between the Worcester State Lancers and the MCLA Trailblazers started out hot with both teams full of energy. The Trailblazers were first to put points on the board but the Lancers would go for longer as they jumped out to a 12 point lead with just under seven minutes remaining in the half. In the first half Worcester States Senior Brandon Goris (Bronx, NY) led the scoring sheet with 13 points in the first. Momentum was a huge factor in this game, both teams battling to gain it back on their side. After the first score and run by Worcester late in the half, MCLA would bring it back to a tight 34-36 lead by the Lancers.
In the second half both teams came out with even more energy as both teams knew that whoever won this half would claim the game. The Lancers junior Junior Efosa (Lawrence, MA) would make a steal early on in the half and bury a layup which gave Worcester the momentum to push out their lead. This would cause the Lancers Goris and senior Suubi Nkugwa (Chelmsford, MA) to knock down three pointers to help the lancers get separation. By the 14:11 Minute mark in the second, the Lancers would have a ten point lead. Just like the first half though, the Trailblazers would work to close the gap leading to baskets being traded as the clock ticked down. While Worcester would work to hold off the slow build of MCLA, their persistence paid off and in the final 30 seconds the game was settled at just a point separating the two squads. Staunch defense on the final inbounds play under the MCLA basket would be all Worcester would need to hold on for win, claiming the 71-70 victory.
Goris would continue his dominant performance with 29 points whose crucial last second steal would seal the game. First year Camdyn Shoesmith (Bedford, MA) would record 12 boards in the win.
The Worcester State Lancers will see the MCLA Trailblazers again for their senior night at home on February 22. This will be the Lancers last regular season game of the year.
What's Next:
Worcester State (7-12,4-2) begins their rematch battle next week when they head to Fitchburg State, who they beat earlier this season 83-69, on Wednesday, February 5th at 5pm.