Men’s Basketball Earns First Home Victory against Framingham State, 63-49

WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University men's basketball team earned its first home victory against the Rams of Framingham State University Wednesday evening as the Lancers' Shaun McCarthy (Oxford, Mass.) posted a game-high 21 points in the 63-49 win.

THE BASICS

January 31, 2018

Lancer Gymnasium

Score: Worcester State 63, Framingham State 49

Records: Worcester State (3-18, 2-6 MASCAC) | Framingham State (6-15, 2-6 MASCAC)

1^ST HALF

Worcester State was the first on the board as McCarthy connected beyond the arc 30 seconds into the game. A minute later, Charles Valbrun (Hyde Park, Mass.) found Manny Payton (Fitchburg, Mass.) from 3-point range to tie the game back up 3-3.  The Lancers regained the lead early on with a pass by Bryson Gulley (Mattapan, Mass.) over the Ram defender to find McCarthy in the paint. Though, Kenny Seitz (Milford, Mass.) tied the game at 5-5. The first half saw four more ties and four lead changes as the teams traded points. However, Worcester State went on an 11-0 run led by McCarthy to close out the first half ahead 31-22.  

2^ND HALF

McCarthy continued to build off his big first half with a layup to put the Lancers on the board first in the half, it would be followed with a 3-pointer by Will Watkins Jr. (Southbridge, Mass.). Payton would stop the run made by the Lancers, as he hit a mid-range jumper to put the score at 35-24. The Rams would not get within less that 10-points throughout the remainder of the game, resulting in a 63-49 victory for the Blue and Gold.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• McCarthy scored a game-high 21 points in the win, while also collecting six rebounds, two assists and a block.
• Gully added in 11 points while Watkins chipped in 10 for Worcester State.
• Framingham State's offense was guided by Payton and Tyri Hampton (Fitchburg, Mass.) who had 13 and 12 points, respectively.
• Emeka Eguatu (Worcester, Mass.) was the rebounding leader for Worcester State with 11. Framingham State's Cameren McCloud-Thomas (Springfield, Mass.) was the leader for the Rams with seven. Overall, Worcester State held a 49-34 edge.
• The Lancers converted on 39% of their shots from the field, and Framingham State converted 19-of-61 (31.1%) their shots from the field.

UP NEXT

Worcester State returns to Lancer Gymnasium on Saturday (Feb. 3) to matchup against MCLA in a 3 p.m. contest. Framingham State heads to Salem State on the same date.

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