Worcester Claims Overtime Thriller Win over Anna Maria

Worcester, MA- After securing a top two finish with last week's results the Lancers men's Basketball team (11-12, 9-3) are hoping for a chance to hold on for a possible rise to the top seed, which a win in tonight's meeting with the Anna Maria AMCATs keeps alive. Worcester's fate rests in the Westfield Owls hands, who need to grab just a single win this week to preserve their top seed into the post season. 

Final- OT

Worcester State: 94

Anna Maria: 92

How it Happened:

The Lancers opened up a big matchup against their local rival AMCATS and made a quick statement with an early three pointer by junior  Daniel Wondie (Seattle, WA), and continued to grow their first half lead. Junior Ethan Daleba (Dorchester, MA) extended the Worcester lead to 14-9 with another three points of his own. Worcester State watched their lead shrink only to be immediately erased by another three point shot off the hands of junior Dajon Burton (Brockton, MA). The Lancers kept their momentum going as they entered the half tied at 38 a piece.

The second half saw a similar story as the Lancers and AMCATS fought an even battle on the court. Senior Johnny Annan (Worcester, MA) got the scoring started in what would be a back and forth affair. Starting off strong with a 10 point run, the AMCATS would battle back to tie it a 51-51. Any time the Lancers would get a substantial lead, Anna Maria would battle back as the game headed to overtime tied 84-84.

Annan and sophomore Joe Okla (Worcester, MA) would get the scoring started in overtime trading layups. After the AMCATS scored four consecutive to tie it at 92-92, the game came down to the final 20 seconds. After a brief timeout, sophomore Jaydon Buckle (Windsor Locks, CT) would get the winning shot, followed by the Lancers running out the clock to win the game 94-92.

Daleba would take charge for Worcester as he scored 23 points while Okla recorded another double double with claiming and equal 13-13 on points and rebounds.

What's Next:

Worcester State (12-12, 10-3) returns back to Brissette Court on Saturday when they host Bridgewater State at 2pm for their senior day celebration.