Lancers Fall in Second Half Battle to Ephs

Worcester, MA- Continuing their NESCAC competition, the Worcester State Men's Basketball team (2-7, 0-0) begin their 2026 side of their schedule with a trip to Williams College to take on the Ephs in a competitive start to the new year.

Final

Worcester State: 73

Williams: 86

How it Happened:

The Lancers started quick on pace with the Ephs, claiming an early lead a quarter of the way through the first half. Each team struggled early from deep but actively penetrated the basket collecting fouls and chances. Junior Dajon Burton (Brockton, MA) would collect the first basket with an in the edge two from the deep corner that was followed up by some assistance from junior Joe Okla (Worcester, MA) and senior Johnny Annan (Worcester, MA). It was a tight defensive battle through the first, with minimal room to navigate but Worcester managed to find some early lanes on Williams. With just over 12 minutes left in the first, Worcester would force a Williams time out after a 14-4 run saw them jump out to a 16-10 lead off full court teamwork. The Ephs would rebound after the break and force turnovers to put Worcester back on their defensive heels. Williams would go on a 12-0 run but Worcester would regroup and close the gap to just one with five minutes remaining in the half. Senior Ayme Daguilh (West Boylston, MA) would bring the game to a 30-30 tie with just over four minutes remaining as the Lancers pushed to reclaim the lead by halftime with immediate answers to each Ephs threat. A late developing three pointer game and rising passions developed late for each squad that carried the final halftime score of 38-42.

Similar to the first Burton would open the scoring in the second half and begin the physical play of the second as they looked for control of the game. Okla worked the boards and basket to help close the game back down to a single point as each team looked to elevate their play. Williams, who shot 36.4% to Worcester's 50% behind the three, would begin to heat up in the second to help create some space between the two teams. Some quick transitions partnered with some unlucky rolls for Worcester would find the Ephs pushing their lead to double digits with just over 10 minutes in regulation. Worcester worked to steady Williams with a high press resulting in turnovers and a collection of fouls on Williams that the Lancers attempted to spin to their advantage. Alas the second half was riddled with shooting struggles in the face of equally staunch Williams defense, that found the Ephs finding success at a 55% to 28% field goal percentage. In the final minutes Worcester would show their grit as they chipped away at the deficit but Williams managed to hold off the attempts for the 86-73 victory.

On the day the Lancers out rebounded the Ephs 34-28 and found success from the free throw line, shooting 83.3%. Okla would lead the Lancers in the outing with 14 points and five rebounds.

What's Next:

Worcester State (2-8, 0-0) will remain in NESCAC competition mode as they take on the 2025 DIII National Champions Trinity College on Tuesday at 6pm.