BRISTOL, R.I. - The Worcester State University men's basketball team suffered its first loss of the 2018-19 season on Sunday afternoon, falling to Roger Williams University by a final score of 88-68.

With the loss, the Lancers drop to 1-1 overall on the season, while the Hawks pick up their first win and move to 1-1.

The Lancers got off to a quick start, jumping out to an early 9-4 lead in the game's first 2:10, thanks to three buckets from Shaun McCarthy (Oxford, Mass.) and a triple from sophomore Chris Cardoso (Jamaica Plain, Mass.). The Hawks would respond however with a quick 8-0 run moments later to claim a 14-10 lead just over five and a half minutes into the game.

The Lancers responded with a surge of their own, taking an 18-16 lead on a lay-in by McCarthy, but a 10-0 Roger Williams run in just a span of 1:50 put the hosts up by eight with 8:23 showing on the clock in the half.

Neither team had a decisive edge in the remaining eight minutes of the half, and the Hawks went to the locker room leading by a score of 35-26. Hawk senior guard Austin Coene (Tyngsborough, Mass.) tallied a game-high 20 points in the opening half alone.

The second half was all Roger Williams, as the Hawks put the game to bed quickly after emerging from the break. Leading by 10 with just under six minutes gone in the half, the Hawks went on a 16-3 run in just under three and a half minutes to take a 64-41 lead to ice the contest with 10:43 remaining.

Coene would finish the day with an astounding 42 points and 14 rebounds, both game highs. McCarthy was the leading Lancer, recording 25 points. Cardoso was the only Lancer to post a double-double, with 15 points and 10 boards, while Frantz Francois (Boston, Mass.) came off the bench to score 10 points for Worcester State.

The Lancers will be back in action on Wednesday as they host Baruch at John P. Brissette Court at 5 p.m.

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