WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester State University men's basketball team has been selected to finish fifth in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) this upcoming season.
Under the direction of head coach David Lindberg, the Lancers wrapped up the 2016-17 season with a 6-6 league record. The team earned the fifth seed in last year's MASCAC tournament and downed the fourth seeded Westfield State in the quarterfinals. Worcester State then upset the first seeded Fitchburg State in the semifinals. The Lancers made their first MASCAC title game in the past 11 years and, unfortunately, dropped a 100-82 decision to the second seeded Salem State in the championship.
This season, the Blue and Gold return Cal Howes (Maynard, Mass.) who was a 4-time rookie of the week recipient last season. In 2016-17, he averaged nine points per game with 59 rebounds, 25 assists, 13 steals and seven blocks. The Lancers also welcome back Aaron Maday (Worcester, Mass.), Shaun McCarthy (Oxford, Mass.), Jason Truax (Northborough, Mass.), and Michel Toney (Boston, Mass.).
The Lancers ache the loss of four-time All-Conference recipient, Paul Brooks (Arlington, Mass.), along with Jeremy Bacon (Milford, Mass.), Aaron Anniballi (Milford, Mass.), and Ryan DiBernardo (Springfield, Mass.) who all were key contributors offensively last season.
The Worcester State men's basketball team opens up the 2017-18 campaign with a Midnight Mayhem game, to be played at Clark University at 12:01am on Nov. 15. The team heads to Babson Park, Mass. for the Babson Invitational the succeeding weekend, and then open up at home the following week as they host WPI in a 5:30pm game on Nov. 21.
2017-18 MASCAC Men's Basketball Pre-Season Coaches Poll
(First Place Votes In Parentheses)
|
1. |
Salem State |
(6) |
36 points |
|
2. |
Bridgewater State |
(1) |
28 points |
|
3. |
Fitchburg State |
|
27 points |
|
4. |
Westfield State |
|
19 points |
|
5. |
Worcester State |
|
18 points |
|
6. |
Framingham State |
|
13 points |
|
7. |
MCLA |
|
6 points |