Salem State shot 48.3 percent from the field in the first half as they opened up an eight point advantage at the break. The Lancers struggled from the field shooting just 30.6 percent. Salem State was paced by senior Shawn Bloom (Springfield, MA) who dropped in 10 first half points. Junior Eric Downie (Medford, MA) added 9 points for the visitors. Worcester State was led by senior Tyson Drayton (Roxbury, MA) who scored 13 first half points for the Lancers.
The Lancers continued to struggle from the field as Salem State’s size advantage forced many of the smaller Lancers to alter their shots in the paint. Worcester State was able to chip away at the Viking lead which was as much as 15 points in the second frame. The Lancers were down by 6 points with 3:02 remaining in the game but Salem State hit their free throws down the stretch and went on to the victory.
Worcester State was led by Drayton and senior guard Ryan Hopkins (Oxford, MA) who both finished with 17 points. Junior Bobby Wilson (Hamden, CT) added 12. Junior Winfred Rembert (New Haven, CT) grabbed a game high 14 rebounds. Salem State was led by Downie with 19 points and junior Joseph Walker (Waltham, MA) who added 17 points.
Worcester State will take on the top seeded Westfield State Owls at 8:00 pm on Friday in Westfield. The two teams split their games during the regular season with each winning on their own court. The second seeded Vikings will take on the Bridgewater State College Bears at 6:00 pm in Westfield.
Salem State College vs Worcester State College 2/18/06 4:00 pm at Worcester, MA At Worcester, MA SALEM STATE COLLEGE 77, WORCESTER STATE COLLEGE 64 SALEM STATE COLLEGE (18-7 (10-2)) Eric Downie 5-10 6-6 19; Joseph Walker 6-14 5-6 17; Shawn Bloom 4-9 2-2 11; Ramon Cruz 3-6 1-1 8; Brandon McCombs 3-7 1-2 7; Marty Harrington 2-4 0-0 6; Dylan Holmes 2-4 0-0 4; Isaiah Bradshaw 1-1 0-0 3; Alex Finn 0-0 2-2 2; Matt Karakudas 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 26-55 17-19 77. WORCESTER STATE COLLEGE (12-13 (6-6)) Ryan Hopkins 7-15 1-2 17; Tyson Drayton 5-14 4-5 17; Bobby Wilson 4-8 4-4 12; Winfred Rembert 2-14 1-2 5; Tyler Hopkins 2-4 0-1 4; Randy Gratton 1-3 0-0 3; Chris Frulla 1-3 0-0 2; Will Spont 0-8 2-2 2; Josh Barry 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 23-72 12-16 64. Salem State College........... 36 41 - 77 Worcester State College....... 28 36 - 64 3-point goals-Salem State College 8-16 (Eric Downie 3-5; Marty Harrington 2-3; Shawn Bloom 1-2; Isaiah Bradshaw 1-1; Ramon Cruz 1-3; Brandon McCombs 0-2), Worcester State College 6-19 (Tyson Drayton 3-8; Ryan Hopkins 2-6; Randy Gratton 1-1; Tyler Hopkins 0-1; Chris Frulla 0-1; Will Spont 0-1; Bobby Wilson 0-1). Fouled out--Salem State College-Eric Downie, Worcester State College-None. Rebounds-Salem State College 32 (Brandon McCombs 9), Worcester State College 47 (Winfred Rembert 14). Assists-Salem State College 13 (Ramon Cruz 3; Shawn Bloom 3), Worcester State College 6 (Ryan Hopkins 2). Total fouls-Salem State College 20, Worcester State College 21. A-250