Worcester, MA- In the 2024 opener, the Worcester State Men's Basketball team welcomes to Brissette Court the Rhode Island College Anchormen. Coming off a MASCAC Championship and NCAA Overtime loss to Catholic, the Lancers are determined to get back to work and back into the postseason action.

Final

Worcester State: 73

Rhode Island College: 71

How it Happened:

Worcester State would start their season with a 24 point lead early in the first half that would see the team string together a collection of shots and baskets led by senior Brandon Goris (Bronx, NY). The Anchormen would slowly chip their way back into the game closing the gap down to single digits that would put the pressure on the Lancers to settle their attack and reset their defense. In the closing minutes of action, Worcester would again push the lead back to double digits as junior Cayman Warburton (Worcester, MA)  would make a jump shot before then following it up with a rebound and dish to sophomore Jaylen Kirkland (Gardner, MA) to begin the late half scoring action. Worcester would go as high as a 19 point lead as they finished up the opening half of action before claiming a 43-28 score for the break

The second half, both the Lancers and the Anchorman would come out hot, with Worcester looking to maintain their heavy lead and Rhode Island inching their way back to an even scoreboard. The maroons Robinson-O'Hagan lead the charge cutting the Lancers lead in just the first 7 minutes of the half. An offensive effort finished by Kirkland kept them on top of the Anchorman. At the halfway mark the Blue and Gold were still up by eight points but Rhode Island was full steam ahead gaining points. The Lancers looked to keep their lead with multiple free shot attempts but the constant offense of Ousmane Kourouma, who would end the night with 35 points, would bring Rhode Island back into the game. The final three minutes of play would be the loudest of the day, when the Anchorman made a layup to turn the score 69-70, in which the Lancers rallied to keep on top. Junior Ayme Daguilh (West Boylston, MA) and Goris would champion their team, sinking their free throws within the last minute in order to win the game in the final four seconds with a score of 73-71.

Goris would lead the night with 16 points for the Lancers in their opening win action.

What's Next:

The Lancers (1-0, 0-0) are back in action after the long weekend when the journey just down the road to take on WPI on Tuesday at 12pm.