Tyri Hampton
Tyri Hampton

Worcester Outlasts Men’s Basketball

Worcester, Mass.- The Worcester State University men's basketball team earned its first home victory against the Rams of Framingham State University Wednesday evening as the Lancers' Shaun McCarthy (Oxford, Mass.) posted a game-high 21 points in the 63-49 win. 

The Lancers improve to 6-18 and 2-6 in the MASCAC while the Rams are now 6-15 and also 2-6 in league play.

Worcester State was the first on the board as McCarthy connected beyond the arc 30 seconds into the game. A minute later, Charles Valbrun (Hyde Park, Mass.) found Manny Payton (Fitchburg, Mass.) from 3-point range to tie the game back up 3-3.  The Lancers regained the lead early on with a pass by Bryson Gulley (Mattapan, Mass.) over the Ram defender to find McCarthy in the paint. Though, Kenny Seitz (Milford, Mass.) tied the game at 5-5. The first half saw four more ties and numerous lead changes as the teams traded points. However, Worcester State went on an 11-0 run to close out the first half ahead 31-22.  

McCarthy continued to build off his big first half with a layup to put the Lancers on the board first in the half, it would be followed with a 3-pointer by Will Watkins Jr. (Southbridge, Mass.). Payton would stop the run made by the Lancers, as he hit a mid-range jumper to put the score at 35-24. The Rams would not get within less that 10-points throughout the remainder of the game, resulting in a 63-49 victory for the Blue and Gold.  

McCarthy scored a game-high 21 points in the win, while also collecting six rebounds, two assists and a block. Gully added in 11 points while Watkins chipped in 10 for Worcester State. 

Framingham State's offense was guided by Payton and Tyri Hampton (Fitchburg, Mass.) who had 13 and 12 points, respectively. 

Emeka Eguatu (Worcester, Mass.) was the rebounding leader for Worcester State with 11. Framingham State's Cameren McCloud-Thomas (Springfield, Mass.) was the leader for the Rams with seven. Overall, Worcester State held a 49-34 edge. 

The Lancers converted on 39% of their shots from the field, and Framingham State converted 19-of-61 (31.1%) their shots from the field.

Worcester State returns to Lancer Gymnasium on Saturday (Feb. 3) to matchup against MCLA in a 3 p.m. contest. Framingham State heads to Salem State on the same date. 

*Release courtesy of Worcester State sports info