Worcester, MA- It has been 29 years since the last time the Worcester State Men’s Basketball team entered the NCAA March Madness, but for the MASCAC perfect Worcester State Lancers this Friday’s match-up with Middlebury College is an opportunity they have been preparing for all season. Middlebury College ended their season ranked #16 in the D3hoops.com top 25 finishing the season at 19-5 after being upset in overtime by Tufts University in the NESCAC Quarterfinal match back on February 18th.
Worcester State will enter the matchup on Friday with fresh playing experience, having defeated Westfield State 65-53 on Sunday, February 26th. While the Panthers would seem to be in a well-rested position, with their last game being 13 days ago, as any athlete knows, the lack of competition partnered with the uncertain NCAA selection future an early conference tournament loss can engender, can result in a drop of focus that can be lethal to a team in the post-season. Worcester State has been focused on the NCAA Tournament since the start of the season, but an undefeated MASCAC season partnered with a #1 seed in tournament play made the dream feel more reality than fantasy.
The Lancers are no stranger to tough competition this season, opening their season play at midnight on November 8th, taking on then #8 seed WPI to the final seconds before last minute basket for the Engineers clinched the victory. While the Lancers may not have won this first nationally ranked test, it proved to the blue and gold something they already knew about themselves, they could play with the best of the best. A concept that further provided evidence when they played a tight game with Williams College, who ended the season ranked #14 in the country. The added level of challenge in their out-of-conference schedule in partnership with their demanding MASCAC schedule has provided the Lancers a well-rounded season, faced with overtime battles, major blow outs, and come from behind victories have prepared Worcester State for anything they may face in the NCAA tournament.
Despite the national ranking for Middlebury College, Worcester State and the Panthers are an evenly matched team ready to do battle on the hardwood. Middlebury started their season with a win of their own over Westfield State (64-57), sprinkled with matchups from some tough nationally ranked opponents. The Panthers currently average 72.4 points per a game, allowing their opponents 63.1. They have recorded a .423% shooting percentage and .316% from behind the arc. Middlebury is currently shooting .713% from the free throw line. Defensively they have recorded 43.7 rebounds and 6.1 steals per a game. The Lancers are currently averaging 77.3 points per a game shooting at .433% field goal percentage with .333% from behind the three-point line. Bringing the Lancers to the line has resulted in a .640% conversion. Worcester State is averaging 44.4 rebounds and 9.7 steals per a game.
Keys to Success:
- Defensive Pressure- Worcester State will need to focus on keeping the Panthers off the scoreboard with a strong presence off the boards and quick feet on defense that will put pressure on the Panthers and force them to play the Lancers game. Physicality without foul trouble will be paramount in not only keeping the Middlebury off the free-throw line but ensuring the Lancers have all their defensive assets at the ready
- Teamwork- Something the Lancers have not struggled with all season has been teamwork, and they are going to need to keep that chemistry clicking to work their way around Middlebury. Worcester State has had an “All In For Each Other” approach all season. They will have to look to each other for support in remaining calm and in control on this larger stage against a Middlebury College, who, while having the home court advantage, will be just as inexperienced on the NCAA stage. The last time the Panthers were selected for participation was back in 2017.
- Smart Decisions- It can, at times, be hard to reign in the excitement of the moment, with the palpable tension that can flow around a court in a big game in front of an opposition crowd. The Lancers have faced strong home support in their last two games and the switch to road team can throw a player off base. Worcester will need to focus not on the noise around them but the communication between each other and instilling the plans and strategies practiced all season. Letting the fans and opposition into your play is the fastest way to rush passes and shots that quickly turn the tide of game. If the Lancers follow the game plan and trust in each other, there can only be success in their future.
Players to Watch:
Middlebury
Alex Sobel, Sr. (Setauket, NY)- 458 points, 282 Rebounds, 78 Assists, 31 Steals and 92 Blocks on the Season
19.1 Points, 11.8 Rebounds, 3.3 Assists, 1.3 Steals and 3.8 Blocks per a Game
Noah Osher, Jr. (Northbrook, IL)- 309 Points, 84 Rebounds, 34 Assists and 17 Steals on the Season
12.9 Points, 3.5 Rebounds, 1.4 Assists, .7 Steals per a Game
Sam Stevens, So. (Mansfield, MA)- 270 Points, 105 Rebounds, 37 Assists, 14 Steals and 7 Blocks on the Season
11.3 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 1.5 Assists, .6 Steals and .3 Blocks per a Game
Worcester State
Sam Dion, Jr. (Barre, MA) - 222 Points, 72 rebounds, 65 Assists, 34 Steals and 2 Blocks on the Season
8.9 Points, 2.9 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists, 1.4 Steals and .1 Blocks per a Game
Aaron Nkrumah, So. (Worcester, MA)- 431 Points, 195 Rebounds, 53 Assists, 66 Steals and 22 Blocks on the Season
17.2 Points, 7.8 Rebounds, 2.1 Assists, 2.6 Steals and .9 Blocks per a Game
Ryan Rubenskas, Jr. (Bridgewater, MA)- 376 Points, 218 Rebounds, 43 Assists, 15 Steals and 42 Blocks on the Season
13.9 Points, 8.1 Rebounds, 1.6 Assists, .6 Steals and 1.6 Blocks per a Game
Erik Bjorn, Gs. (Holden, MA)- 243 Points, 243 Rebounds, 42 Assists, 12 Steals and 13 Blocks on the Season
9.7 Points, 9.7 Rebounds, 1.6 Assists, .5 Steals and .5 Blocks per a Game
Zion Hendrix, Sr. (Charlotte, NC)- 284 Points, 69 Rebounds, 72 Assists, 31 Steals and 2 Blocks on the Season
10.5 Points, 2.6 Rebounds, 2.7 Assist, 1.1 Steals and .1 Blocks per a Game