Worcester State Picked Fourth in MASCAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University Lancers have been picked to finish fourth in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) men's basketball preseason poll, as voted on by the seven coaches around the conference.

The Lancers completed their 2015-16 season with a 16-10 overall record, and went 8-4 in conference play. Paul Brooks (Arlington, Mass.) returns to the team after earning First Team All-Conference accolades last season. He led the league in field goal percentage (59.4) and blocks (91), third in rebounds per game (9.8), offensive rebounds (111) and total rebounds (255) while also netting 327 points and 18 assists.

The Lancers also return starters Ryan DiBernardo (Springfield, Mass.) and Marquez McKreith-Collins (Springfield, Mass.) and have added nine new players to their 2016-17 team roster. DiBernardo finished the 2015-16 campaign averaging 10 points per game, while McKreith-Collins chipped in an average of 8.1 points per game.

The 2015-16 Co-Regular Season Champions, Salem State, were the first choice picked to win the 2016-17 MASCAC men's basketball title, taking home four of the seven first place votes for 39 points. The Vikings finished the 2015-16 season with a 9-3 conference record. Returning for the Vikings is All-Conference First Team honoree Marcus Faison.

Earning the final three first place votes with 32 points is 2015-16 Co-Regular Season Champion and Tournament Champions Fitchburg State. The Falcons closed out last season with a 9-3 clip in MASCAC play. Back on the hardwood for the team is 2015-16 MASCAC Player of the Year Jaleel Bell.

Bridgewater State sits in the third slot with 25 points. The Bears netted a record of 8-4 during league competition last season, while the Lancers land in fourth with 21 points.

Westfield State grabs the fifth spot with 13 points. The Owls had four wins during league play in the 2015-16 season.

Closing out the 2016-17 preseason poll are Framingham State and MCLA in sixth and seventh with 10 and seven points, respectively.

The 2016-17 Men's Basketball season kicks off next week with the MASCAC teams competing in their opening non-conference contests. The Lancers open up with a midnight game against cross-town rivals, Clark Univeristy on Nov. 15. Pregame festivities begin at 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 14.

2016-17 MASCAC Men's Basketball Pre-Season Coaches Poll

(First Place Votes In Parentheses)

1. Salem State (4) 39 points

2. Fitchburg State (3) 32 points

3. Bridgewater State 25 points

4. Worcester State 21 points

5. Westfield State 13 points

6. Framingham State 10 points

7. MCLA 7 points

Portions of this Release Courtesy of Emily Loux | MASCAC Director of Media Relations