Lancers Outlast Falcons On Senior Night

Fitchburg, Mass. – The Fitchburg State University men's basketball team dropped a decision to the Lancers of Worcester State in Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) action tonight from the Parkinson Gymnasium.

In a pre-game ceremony, the Falcons recognized senior Larry Mendes (Brockton, Mass.) for his contribution to the men's basketball program.

The Basics

Score: Fitchburg State 76, Worcester State 79
Records: Fitchburg State (5-16, 3-7 MASCAC) | Worcester State (11-11, 6-3 MASCAC)

How It Happened

Worcester State University took an early 8-2 advantage after Zion Hendrix had a good three-pointer two minutes into the frame. Fitchburg countered with a beyond-the-arc basket from sophomore Nathaniel Semedo (Bridgewater, Mass.) to even the score (15-15) and pushed ahead 20-15 on a deep ball from Frederick Siayor (Worcester, Mass.).

Semedo would score 13 straight points for the Falcons to extend the lead to 36-29. The Lancers would close out the frame with a 9-0 run capped by a layup from Ryan Rubenskas to hold a 38-26 lead heading into intermission.

After halftime, Fitchburg State took the lead (43-38) as Quincy Taylor (Boston, Mass.) and Trevian Hinson (Tampa, Fla.) knocked down jumpers. Worcester State answered back with a free throw from Sam Dion to knot the score (43-43).  Tied at 57-57 the Hosts forged ahead (60-57) off a three-pointer from junior Mikal Garcia (Fresno, Tex.). The Lancers countered with a pair from the charity stripe from Tyler Spencer to hold a slim 66-64 margin, however, the Green and Gold countered with a pair of free throws from Quincy Taylor to tie the game once again at 69-69 with four minutes to play.

Down the stretch, Worcester State extended the lead (75-70) on a jumper from Dion. The Falcons had a chance as time expired to tie the game but the ball rimmed out resulting ton the 79-76 final.

Inside the Numbers

·         Fitchburg State was led by Semedo with a game-best 24 points and six rebounds, while the Green and Gold. Perez added 11 points off the bench.

·         For Worcester State, Dion posted 16 points, while Rubenskas added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

·         Fitchburg State shot 23-for-65 (35.4%) from the field and (7-of-19) 36.8% from beyond the arc.

·         The Lancers went 27-of-71 (35.2%) overall and (10-of-26) 38.5% from three-point range.

·         Fitchburg held the rebounding advantage 49-45

Up Next

Falcons will travel to the Bears of Bridgewater State on Wednesday evening for a 7:30 PM tip-off