Lancers Down Rams in Convincing Fashion for Pink Out Game

Worcester, MA- With the first meeting of the season with the Rams coming down to a thriller of a finish, the Worcester State Men's Basketball team (9-12, 7-3) focused on grabbing a much-needed win for the postseason seeding. The first meeting, which Worcester won 73-65, went down to the final moments before Worcester claimed the victory. Tonight, Worcester aimed to show more dominance on home court.

Final:

Worcester State: 84

Framingham State: 70

How it Happened:

The first half started with back-and-forth possessions, with the Lancers getting a barrage of 3-pointers in rapid succession from senior guard Ayme Daguilh (West Boylston, MA), junior guard Dajon Burton (Brockton, MA), and first-year guard Tzar Powell-Aparicio (Lowell, MA). The early portion of the half would see the teams trading control and for a solid few minutes sitting at a seven to seven tie before Worcester began to push their lead. An eight point run would be enough for Worcester to take control of the half, and strong arm the Rams into a deficit. Worcester would go up as much as 11 before the Rams dug back into the action, but another late half push would re-control the game for the Lancers. Daguilh would also be the leading scorer for the Lancers in the half with nine points, shooting 4-6 from the field. Sophomore forward Camdym Shoesmith (West Boylston, MA) would rack up three assists and two offensive rebounds on the scoring side of the court and two defensive rebounds on the other side. The Lancers would go into the second half leading 41-32 over the visitors.

Worcester would come out quick in the second as junior Ethan Daleba (Dorchester, MA) would put the lead back at double digits for Worcester as they began to push for deeper control of the action. The Rams would become frazzled on the attack providing turnover and lost possession after lost possession to Worcester who managed to capitalize on the chances. Framingham would find some renewed energy through the middle section of the half, but fouls for both teams hampered a continuous strain of momentum. Burton and sophomore Rayan Sablon (Stoughton, MA) would team up on the downturn of the half to keep Worcester solidly out in front. Framingham was not prepared to back down in the fight as they continued to pepper the Lancer defense with aggressive play and shots and cut the lead to single digits with seven minutes to go. The Lancers would reclaim the double digit differential seconds later with a swishing three from sophomore Jaydon Buckle (Windsor Locks, CT). Sophomore Joe Okla (Worcester, MA) had a late scoring surge to put the game cleanly out of reach even as the hustle would continue to the final horn, but Worcester would claim the 84-70 victory.

Buckle would lead the night with 17 points while Burton and Okla would each claim five rebounds in the game.

What's Next:

Worcester State (10-12, 8-3) is back in action on Saturday for a Valentine's Day battle with Salem State at 2pm.