Worcester State Pulls Away from Men’s Basketball in MASCAC Playoffs

MCLA's season ends in MASCAC playoff loss to Worcester State

JoJo Garcia had 17 points to lead the Trailblazers at Worcester State
JoJo Garcia had 17 points to lead the Trailblazers at Worcester State
February 25, 2025
Video Box Score

WORCESTER, Mass. – The MCLA Men's Basketball team opened their MASCAC playoff run this evening at the same location as their regular season finale, the DeFeudis Wellness Center, home of the Worcester State Lancers. The Trailblazers fought back to get within four points with eight and a half minutes to play, but a 29-9 run by the Lancers to close out the game, sent them into the next round.

THE BASICS:

  • Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
  • Score: MCLA 89, Worcester 65
  • Records: MCLA Trailblazers 7-19 (MASCAC 5-7) | Worcester State University 12-14 (MASCAC 8-4)

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • The first half was tightly contested with two lead changes and six ties, including as late as 6:38 remaining on a layup from MCLA's junior guard Craig Williams (Dover, DE). A small 15-10 run by the Owls, sent the teams into the half time locker room ahead 41-36.
  • The teams opened the second half trading baskets, until Williams drained a three with 13:40 to play to pull within two points at 49-47. Westfield's Brandon Goris responded with a three of his own, but Worcester State called a timeout in hopes of breaking the Trailblazers momentum.
  • With just over eight and a half minutes remaining, a layup by sophomore guard Colin Quinn (South Hadley, MA) brought the Trailblazers back to within four points, but it would be as close as they would get. The Lancers closed out the game on a 29-9 run.
  • Worcester's Goris led all scorers with 30 points, while Jaylen Kirkland finished with 20 points, including 16 in the first half alone. Sam Davies contributed 11 points for the hosts, while Camdyn Shoesmith had a game-high 10 rebounds.
  • Senior guard JoJo Garcia (Henderson, NV) paced the Trailblazers with 17 points to go with 14 points from senior guard Quentin Gittens (Pittsfield, MA) and 13 by Williams.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

  • Field Goals / %: MCLA 24-47 / 51.1%, Worcester 33-68 / 48.5%
  • 3 Points / %: MCLA 3-12 / 25 %, Worcester 11-25 / 44%
  • Free Throw / %: MCLA 13-21 / 61.9%, Worcester 12-18 / 66.7%
  • Rebounds: MCLA 26, Worcester 40
  • Points off Turnovers: MCLA 8, Worcester 9
  • Second Chance Points: MCLA 6, Worcester 6
  • Points in the Paint: MCLA 38, Worcester 30
  • Bench Points: MCLA 11, Worcester 19

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