Lancers Push Game to Final Second in Math Madness Meeting with Lions

Worcester, MA- In what has grown into one of the most beloved and buzz-worthy traditions on the Worcester State Athletics calendar, the Worcester State Women's Basketball team (4-8, 1-1) brought the excitement back to Brissette Court by hosting its 16th Annual Math Madness Game on Monday afternoon. The Lancers welcomed back a familiar foe in Emerson College for the second straight season, turning the matchup into another high-energy celebration of hoops and learning. Nearly 500 students from Tatnuck, Dual Language, and May Street Schools packed the stands, transforming the arena into a lively classroom where numbers met net, and every cheer made students feel like they were part of the action—true to the spirit of the Division III experience.

Head Coach Karen Tessmer remarked that "Math Madness Day is a highlight of our season! It's a fun game for both teams to play in front of cheering kids while also providing an educational opportunity for the students.  Math can be FUN!  It is also a nice way for our WSU student athletes to connect with the local schools and be role models for young kids!" 

It would be a tight back and forth battle between the Lancers and Lions as the crowd of excited spectators cheered on each point and play. WHile Emerson would find the first scoring success first year Derin Tokcan (Istanbul, TR) would equalize the score quickly setting off a back and forth game that saw leads change. Worcester would jump out early to a seven point lead capped by another Tokcan addition, but the Lions would not go down without a roar and steadily found their way back into the action and claimed the lead with two minutes left in the first at a 13-12 score. Junior Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) would claim the first quarter control for Worcester off a put back lay up to close out the opening 10 minutes. 

The following quarter would again see each team trading baskets under the excitement of a young minds. With multiple lead changes and the deafening roar making it harder to hear the plays, putting the pressure on each team to hold their defensive pressure together. The final minutes before half saw Emerson hit some big shots and a final miracle millisecond three pointer would provide a six point lead that Worcester would be primed to overcome during the second half. 

Halftime would find the court swarmed with eager minds working on math problems with the aid of players, staff and coaches. Each student was provided a packet of math problems that was created in partnership with the Women's Basketball team and the education department to provide a challenging and fun interactive experience for each student.

While the entire Worcester team was energized by the crowd coming out of the break, senior Hannah Lomonaco (Northbridge, MA) and junior Mia Haynes (Worcester, MA) felt the extra call to get the scoring started and put the Lions on the defensive. Junior Alana Smith (Chicopee, MA) would contribute to the comeback bid as the high intensity sent a shot of cold water upon Emerson's attack. By the close of the third, Worcester had worked their way back into solid momentum reclaiming the lead multiple times in the quarter and finding the final seconds a back and forth possession game that saw them down just a single point at 42-41. 

The final quarter of regulation found the Lions reignite their offense and their defense as they managed to hit the deep shot and force turnovers that allowed them to begin to rebuild their lead. The Lions, Jessica Silk, would be the primary force behind the surge, but Worcester defense worked tirelessly to slow the pace and keep the lead to slight six points. That determination allowed Worcester to look for quick transition points of their own, racking up steals and rebounds. The cold shooting of the third for the Lions, hit the Lancers in the fourth, preventing large gains with their tight defense.  Between the mix of offensive frustration and determination, the Lions managed to find a path through the high intensity Lancer defense to push their lead back out to seven, but Worcester would not let up, grabbing turnovers and playing body defense to ensure the game went to the final seconds. Haynes would help with the cause with a three from the left corner as the final minute became a question of possession and accuracy. Haynes would close the game to within one with just under a minute to go as the game transitioned to a management finish with timeouts and fouls as the call to order. A responding bucket from the Lions would see junior Naveiha Madison (Brockton, MA) claim a rebound under the basket for a quick layup and a 56-57 score. A last ditch play would see Worcester go for the win, but Emerson managed to kill enough time for the 58-56 win.

Haynes, who this game had a bit of special meaning for as an education minor, would lead the Lancers with 24 points and six rebounds.

Post game, both teams got the chance to meet with the local students and sign autographs and take photos to celebrate the Math Madness fun.