Men's Basketball Drops 96-81 Decision to Salem State

WORCESTER, Mass.- The Worcester State University men's basketball team was unable to overcome Salem State by a score of 96-81 in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon at John P. Brissette court.

With the loss the Lancers fall to 10-10 overall (3-4 MASCAC). The Vikings advance to 12-8 overall (6-1 MASCAC).

The Vikings opened up scoring on a Temitope Bailey (W. Springfield, Mass.) jumpshot which started the Salem State offense's attack. At the 7:48 mark in the first half Emeka Egwuatu (Worcester, Mass.) put up a strong dunk for the Lancer offense and put the Lancers within seven points. Both teams played strong and the Lancers refused to let the Vikings out of their sights. Tyler Dion (Barre, Mass.) grabbed seven points in the last 93 seconds of the first half to put the Lancers within four heading into the locker room at the half, 47-43.

Chris Cardoso put up a triple and then a free throw to bring Worcester State within one of the Vikings. Salem State went on a 9-0 run to put the Vikings up 75-62 with 9:33 remaining in the half. Sean Bryan (Lowell, Mass.) put up 16 points in the second half to help the Vikings to their win. Another dunk by Egwuatu late in the second half gave the Lancers hope as they started to come back, but weren't left with enough time.

Dion totaled 20 points despite the Lancer loss, grabbing four triples in the total. Shaun McCarthy (Oxford, Mass.) and Chris Cardoso (Jamaica Plain, Mass.) also grabbed double figures scoring in the loss. Hakkem Animashaun (Dedham, Mass.) put up a double-double grabbing 12 boards and 16 points. Bryan put up the game high 28 points for the Vikings leading them to their win.

Next up for the Lancers, they head to Framingham State Wednesday night for more MASCAC action. Tip-off is set for 6 pm. The Vikings will host Fitchburg State the same night in conference action.

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