Lancers go to Final Seconds With Anchormen

Worcester, MA- After a thrilling opening weekend that saw the Lancers go 1-1 and compete against top 25 competition, the Worcester State Men's Basketball team journeyed south this afternoon for a Veterans' Day meeting with Rhode Island College.

Final

Worcester State: 74

RIC: 79

How it Happened:

It was an intense back-and-forth game between Worcester and the Anchormen. Rhode Island would get the scoring started but would be matched by sophomore Camdyn Shoesmith (Bedford, MA) off an assist from junior Daron Burton (Brockton, MA). The two teams would trade leads and spend a majority of the half tied, hitting that mark four times in the first half. Worcester would shoot 33% from the floor but 81% from the line, led by sophomore Joe Okla (Worcester, MA), who was well on his way to a first-half double-double with nine points and six of the team's 24 first-half rebounds as they took a 33-37 score into halftime.

In a close contest between Worcester State and Rhode Island College, the game came to a conclusion in the last minutes with Rhode Island coming out on top with a 74-79 win. The Worcester State team fought the entire game, led by dynamic performances by Okla, who finished with over 25 points and double-figure rebounds, and Shoesmith, who provided big baskets in the final minutes. In the second half, the lead changed several times with sophomore Ryan Sablon (Stoughton, MA) making an impressive assist and a couple of timely defensive rebounds to keep WSU within striking distance. Late free shots by Boone and CJ Wilson for Rhode Island would prove to be the difference maker. Even with a few missed scoring chances and some turnovers in the final moments, Worcester State hung tough and kept the game close until the last whistle.

What's Next:

Worcester State (1-2, 0-0) will now hold its home opener on Friday, November 14th, as they host WPI at 7 pm.