Shoesmith's Early Double-Double Sends Lancers Soaring Past Falcons

Worcester, MA- After over a week off from games the Worcester State Men's Basketball team (7-12, 4-2) looks to extend their win streak to three as they take on Fitchburg State for the second time this season, this time the Falcons home court. In their first meeting the Lancers took home the 83-69 victory and aim to do the same in tonight's meeting. 

Final

Worcester State: 77

Fitchburg State: 69

How it Happened: 

In the rematch between the Worcester State Lancers and Fitchburg State Falcons, both teams jumped out the gate going neck and neck for the start of the first half. Lancers offensive rebounding was a major contribution leading the half with 11-3 offensive rebounds. While the Falcons would open the scoring in the game, Worcester would take a bit more time to find their rhythm before jumping out to a five point lead halfway through the opening half. The Falcons would not bow down with their quick start and would manage to cut the lead to just three points to close out the half at 38-35 as the Lancers would aim to up the ante in the second half. First year Camdyn Shoesmith (Bedford, MA) would already secure himself a double-double in the first 20 minutes bringing down 12 rebounds and 12 points. 

After the halftime break both teams would come out with even more intensity. Shoesmith would pick up where he left off and create more momentum on the court sending the Lancers on a 5-0 run. Sophomore Jaylen Kirkland (Gardner, MA) and senior Brandon Goris (Bronx, NY) drained back to back threes forcing Fitchburg to call a timeout to think through some changes for their second half strategy. Worcester State would begin to pull away in the middle of the second with a Goris layup, securing 15 points and the Lancers a 10 point lead. Coming down to the last few minutes the Falcons would gradually close the 11 point lead making it a 1 point game at 2:44. In the final 2 minutes it was an hectic battle between the two teams, where Goris would hit a free throw and a three to pull away. A dunk by Junior Ayme Daguilh (West Boylston, MA) would put a relative nail on the game as Worcester would pull away for the 77-69 victory.

Goris would end the game with a second half surge of 22 points while Shoesmith would add a pile of new rebounds and points in the second for a total of 16 points and 21 rebounds.

What's Next:

The Blue and Gold (8-12, 5-2) are back on home court action on Saturday when they welcome Westfield State to Brissette Court in a revenge match. The game will also serve as the team's Alumni Day with games and events post the day's action.