Lancers go Down to Final Moments for Win at Gordon

Worcester, MA - The Worcester State Men's Basketball team headed to Gordon College Saturday afternoon for a challenging out-of-conference matchup that ended in a victory by just one basket. 

Ryan Rubenskas (Bridgewater, MA) put the Lancers on the board in the beginning of the game with three layups, and Brandon Goris (Bronx, NY) continued the rise when he netted a three. The Lancers capitalized on turnovers with two layups, causing Gordon to call a timeout within the first five minutes of the game. Gordon kept the score close and took the lead with a layup by Bryce Smith (San Francisco, CA). They were able to keep this momentum and ended the first half with a 12 point lead over the Lancers.

The second half started off with a technical foul on Worcester's Aaron Nkrumah (Worcester, MA). Gordon widened the gap to 23 points by the 8th minute as Worcester looked to regain their footing. Sam Dion (Barre, MA) and Zion Hendrix (Charlotte, NC) helped the Lancers stay in the game with both vital rebounds and shooting. About halfway through the second half the game turned over in Worcester's favor as they made 9 baskets while Gordon could not make any. Goris and Nkrumah made multiple layups to inch closer to Gordon's score. 

With just three minutes to go there was only a three point difference, and both teams were fighting for the win. Hendrix made a three with just two seconds left on the clock to tie the game. In an outstanding play, Lancer Joe Nuttal (Holden, MA) made a buzzer-beater jump shot to put Worcester over Gordon. After being behind for nearly the entire game, Worcester State was able to pull through at the last minute for an on-the-road win. Rubenskas led the team with 23 points in the game.

The Lancers now sit with a 4-2 record in the season. They next host Western New England at home on Tuesday, November 22nd.