SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 21, 2023) – The Western New England men's basketball team saw the visiting Lancers of Worcester State University mark their territory in the second half, scoring 14 straight points to take a lead they would never lose as the Golden Bears would drop their second game of the season, falling 76-67 from the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

Records:

• Western New England: 4-2
• Worcester State: 3-3

How it Happened:

The Golden Bears were seeking revenge on a Lancer team that defeated the Golden Bears a season ago and got off to a quick start as Jake Harrison and Andrew Byfield would get to the rim to get Western New England on the board early. WNE jumped out to a 15-3 lead just four minutes into the game as back-to-back three-point shots from Mike Resnick would set the Golden Bears ahead by 12 in the early goings. Worcester State would quickly battle back, as Aaron Nkrumah and Ryan Rubenskas would be a force to be reckoned with for the Lancers on the night. Western New England would never lose their lead in the first half, however, as the blue and gold would maintain a four-point lead of greater for the remainder of the first half until Worcester State's Sam Dion would connect on a triple with 1:23 to get WSU within one point. Western New England would take a three-point lead at the end of the first half, with Jake Harrison connecting on two late free throws to extend WNE's lead.

Aaron Nkrumah would connect on a three-point shot to open the scoring in the second half for Worcester State to even the score at 36. WSU would take their first lead since the early goings of the game, when Nkrumah would be able to drive to the lane and score to give the Lancers the lead. Western New England would come back to lead by four points, as Jake Harrison would score five quick points to get the Golden Bears their lead back. After a back-and-forth midway point of the second half that would see multiple lead changes, Western New England would lead by five points after Nate Kasper dropped a jumper from inside the key with 9:55 left to lead 57-52. From there, Worcester State would dominate the offensive side of the ball as the Golden Bears would go ice cold, seeing the Lancers score 14 straight points to take a nine-point lead, their largest of the night. Worcester State would connect on late free throws in the game as Western New England would try to get back in the game but would not be able to finish the game on top as the Lancers would top the Golden Bears for the third straight season, defeating the Golden Bears 76-67.

Inside the Lines:

• Mike Resnick led Western New England in scoring for the second straight game, dropping 23 points, connecting on 9/14 field goals, including 5/9 from three.
• Jake Harrison scored 14 points while grabbing eight rebounds and seven assists for WNE.
• The Golden Bears recorded 21 turnovers in the loss, as both Harrison and Gavin Greene recorded six turnovers each.
• Western New England was whistled for 24 fouls in the game.
• Aaron Nkrumah scored 22 points on the night off 7/13 shooting. Ryan Rubenskas dropped 18 points and collected ten rebounds for the Lancers.
• Western New England has yet to defeat Worcester State in their three all-time meetings.

Up Next on the Schedule

• After four games in six nights, Western New England takes an eight-day break before beginning CCC play on the road when the Golden Bears travel to Roger Williams University on Wednesday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m.