Worcester, MA- After a rigorous meeting versus Salem State on Wednesday the Worcester State Men's Basketball team (5-12, 2-2) is primed to find the winning path today as they host Framingham State (9-8, 3-1) in the first of two meetings in the regular season.
Final
Worcester State: 84
Framingham State: 63
How it Happened:
The first half got off to a bang for both teams with each hitting the court playing with full energy early, looking to grab the momentum in the first. Framingham would lead early, capitalizing on the first half settling into roles by the Lancers. Worcester's junior Ayme Daguilh (West Boylston, MA) answered with a slew of steals that pushed the Lancers into the lead and forced an ultra competitive first half. The Lancers looked to stretch the lead, while the Rams meant to put in a big push to capture it again. Worcester State would get a bucket, and Framingham would answer throughout the half as each team sparking from the three. This back and forth remained for the rest of the first half, neither team being able to accomplish their exact mission but making their presence felt on the court. The first half ended with a score of 49-41, and Worcester starting to come alive.
The second half brought more intensity than in the first with Framingham getting frustrated by the tight defense of Worcester early from the start, knowing that a run needed to start soon or else it would be a back and forth until the end. The Lancers, on the other hand, played with momentum and confidence, as they marched down the court, stretching the lead to twenty. However, Framingham was not content to go quietly into the night and proceeded to go on on a 10-2 run as half the time remained in the 2nd half. Worcester State did not initially have many answers during this run, but they also did not lose their composure as they adjusted their plan. They knew they had time to get back in their rhythm, all it would take is execution. And execute, they did. The Lancers would end the run stretching the lead back to twenty plus. This last run by the Lancers marked the nail in the game for Framingham with the final score of the game ending 84-63 for Worcester's third conference victory.
Senior Brandon Goris (Bronx, NY) closed out the game with 18 points just ahead of Daguilh with 17. Leading the board and winner of the claiming fouls battle on the court was junior Junior Efosa (Lawrence, MA) with 8 rebounds.
What's Next:
The Blue and Gold (6-12, 3-2) will journey next to MCLA on Wednesday with tip off set for 5pm.