Shakir, Santos, and Vieira Earn MASCAC Player of the Week Accolades (Jan. 25-31)

WORCESTER, Mass. – Three Worcester State student-athletes from the men’s basketball and men’s indoor track & field teams earned Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) awards for the week of Jan. 25-31.

Men’s Basketball:

Junior guard, Bilal Shakir (Worcester, Mass.) was named the MASCAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for averaging 29.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 1.5 assists in a 2-0 week for the Lancers.

Shakir scored a career-high 34 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer from near half court in the 89-88 win over Westfield State. He went 12-for-21 (57.1%) from the field, 5-for-12 (41.6%) from beyond the arc, a perfect 5-for-5 (100%) from the free throw line while adding four steals, three rebounds and two assists in the win.

In Worcester State's 104-96 overtime win over MCLA on Saturday, Shakir netted 25 points and went 9-for-10 (90%) from the free throw line to help edge the Lancers over the Trailblazers.

Freshman guard, Alex Santos (Lawrence, Mass.) was tabbed the MASCAC Men’s Basketball Rookie of the week for averaging 26.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in the victorious week for Worcester State.

Santos scored 23 points in the 89-88 win over Westfield State, including a game-tying 3-pointer with 21 seconds left to keep the Lancers in the game.

He then scored a team-high 30 points with six rebounds and two assists in the 104-94 overtime win against MCLA. Santos connected at the free throw line going 15-for-21 (71.4%).

Men’s Indoor Track & Field:

Freshman Marcus Vieira (Peabody, Mass.) was tabbed with the MASCAC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Rookie of the Week for the fourth time (third-consecutive).

Vieira placed second in the weight throw at the Tufts Stampede, marking a personal best throw of 15.91m to qualify him for both Division III New England and ECAC Championships.

“Marcus continues to improve each week, particularly in the 35 lb. weight throw,” stated head coach Al Halper. “He is ranked 38th on the Division III NCAA list in the event and is the third best freshman (separated from each other by inches) in the rankings nationally.”

“Marcus continues to improve in the shot put as well and has been a scorer for the team here all season long,” said Halper. Vieira finished seventh in the shot put event with a top throw of 13.87m.

“The entire throws squad benefits from his enthusiasm and the others who continue to do well,” commented Halper. “He has helped to raise the expectations and performance level around him.”

Honor Roll:

Junior Jared Barros (Taunton, Mass.) finished the 200 Meter Dash in 22.10 (22.50 converted) at the BU John Thomas Terrier Classic to put him in the 13^th spot in the national rankings. Barros also anchored the 4x200 relay that qualified for Division III New England and ECAC Championships with a time of 1:32.48 and the 4x400 Meter Relay that finished in a time of 3:26.32.

Junior Sam Weeks (Methuen, Mass.) placed second in the shot put with a personal best throw of 14.90m, qualifying him in both Division III New England Championships at the Tufts Stampede. He also came in fifth in the weight throw with a top throw of 15.36m.

Sophomore Abigail Danso (Worcester, Mass.) placed seventh in the 60 Meter hurdle finals with a time of 10.51. She also came in 13^th place in the 200 Meters with a time of 28.58.

Junior Elizabeth McCormack (Gloucester, Mass.) had a third place finish in the weight throw event, qualifying for Division III New England’s with a top distance of 13.73m.

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