Lancers Hold off Trailblazers for MASCAC Win

Worcester, MA- After a tough battle last night the Lancers Men's Basketball team (2-9, 0-0) was ready to kick start their conference schedule with a meeting with the MCLA Trailblazers. The game was played in support of Thea's Pantry at Worcester State which provides food and other essentials to students, staff, and faculty who are food insecure or at risk of food insecurity. Located in the Student Center, Thea's Pantry provides confidential services for those in need.

Final

Worcester State: 89

MCLA: 79

How it Happened:

It was a back and forth first half for the Lancers as they found success from behind the arc but were a bit slower on the score inside the arc. Junior Dajon Burton would open the scoring with a deep three and would help carry the team through the first with 10 points and going 2-2 from three point land. The Trailblazers and Lancers would change leads 12 times over the first with neither team able to build a comfortable cushion. Worcester would record 11 rebounds to MCLA's 12 in a battle for boards but the Trailblazers found the success in second chance points recording 7 to Worcester's 4. A late point grab would find Worcester holding the 38-37 lead into the break.

Worcester would continue the drive into the second half pushing their lead to eight to get the momentum started, but MClA would hold close. The Trailblazers chipped away at the burst to bring the game to within four points numerous times, but first year Tzar Powell-Aparacio (Lowell, MA) worked the court to create chances for the Lancers. MCLA would again find a way to tie the game with just under 10 minutes to go but sophomore Joe Okla (Worcester, MA) and senior Johnny Annan (Worcester, MA) and junior Daniel Wondie (Seattle, WA) focused on rebuilding the differential. Sophomore Rayan Sablon (Stoughton, MA) would put in the extra muscle on the court to push the lead to nine points and help create a cushion down the stretch. The teams continued to trade baskets down the stretch but a burst from junior Ethan Daleba (Dorchester, MA) and sophomore Jaydon Buckle (Windsor, CT) provided Worcester with a double digit lead late in the half. With both teams in double bonus, fouls and free throws would be crucial in the decisions on the court. Worcester succeeded in hitting the shots late from the line and the court as the Trailblazers looked to the deep shots to gain back some ground. The Lancers would end the half with 63.6% free throw shooting percentage behind the 9 of 11 shooting of Sablon as they managed to hold off the Trailblazers for an 89 to 79.

Annan would lead the Lancers with 16 points and 10 rebounds for a double double on the night.

What's Next:

The Lancers (3-9, 1-0) are off until Saturday when they travel to Westfield State to take on the Owls on January 10th a 2pm.