SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Behind 26 points from Chris Cardoso (Jamaica Plain, Mass.), the Worcester State men's basketball team defeated Western New England 82-74 on Tuesday evening at Alumni Healthful Living Center to win their first game of the 2021-22 season.

The Lancers improve to 1-1 on the season, while Western New England suffers their first loss and is also 1-1.

Erik Bjorn (Holden, Mass.) had a double-double with a game-high 14 rebounds to go with his 12 points, one of four Lancers in double-figures.  Bjorn's efforts helped Worcester State to a 52-39 advantage in rebounds.

Corey Olivier (Maynard, Mass.) added 13 points and a team-high four assists, while Bjorn had three dimes, two steals and a block.  Sam Dion (Barre, Mass.) scored nine points on 3-7 shooting from behind the three-point arc, grabbing six rebounds and collecting two assists and two steals.

Western New England led by three points at the half and as many as eight early into the second, but a 14-5 run by the Lancers gave them the lead for the first time after the break.

Gavin Greene (Monroe, Conn.) poured in 25 points to lead WNE, shooting 11-16 from the floor while also grabbing seven rebounds. Brian Geitner (Tolland, Conn.) had 18 points (3-6 from three) and Kenny Flynn (Franklin, Mass.) scored 11 while leading his club with nine boards. Flynn also had two steals and three blocks.

Worcester shot 41.3% from the floor, compared to 35.7% for the Golden Bears. WNE was better from three-point land (9-28), but the Lancers shot 88.2% from the free throw line, helped by Cardoso, who went 9-9 at the charity stripe.

Forward Ryan Rubenskas (Bridgewater, Mass.) was efficient from the field, shooting 5-8 on his way to a 12-point night in the victory.

The Lancers head to SUNY Oneonta for a weekend tournament, which will start with a game Friday evening against Sage. Tip-off in Oneonta is set for 5:30 PM.

Western New England travels to an exhibition at Division 1 Quinnipiac on Friday at 4:00 PM.