PRIDE HUNGRY FOR WORCESTER STATE

Weston, Mass.—Derrick Neal will look to lead Regis College past Worcester State College Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 PM. Regis College (2-2) will host a 1-3 Lancer program that has some size and talent.

The Regis College men’s basketball program is deep with talent this year. Neal is one of several Pride athletes that are capable of getting the job done every night. Seniors James Cooper and Jesse Vega complement Phil Alibrandi and Neal. Alibrandi led Regis with 13 points in the Pride’s 51-48 loss to Fitchburg State College.

Team First…

Cooper is a mature and athletic guard that gives Regis College a clear advantage in the backcourt. Cooper is averaging 3.8 assists per game, followed by Neal with 3.0.

Both players are capable of creating their own shots so their assist are not much of a concern, but for Regis to be successful against Worcester State each Regis player on the floor will have to touch the ball.

Alibrandi is a smart basketball player that can shoot the mid-range jumper or finish the high percentage shot.

Vega has played in just three games this season, but already leads the Pride in free throw attempts (15) and percentage (.714). Such a statistic is important to note because many games come down to the team that is not only shooting more from the line, but also making a higher percentage of those attempts.

Finally, Regis is playing consistently in both periods in terms of offensive scoring and defensive stops. Through four games Regis has tallied approximately 135 points in each period. As well, it is outscoring its opponents 269-230 overall. Continuing consistent play can only help the Pride Saturday.

And for the Lancers…

Maurice Horton is a 6’4” senior forward that is averaging a double-double through three games. Horton is averaging 19 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.

Horton is not much, if at all, larger than four of Regis’ post players. In comparison, Vega is slightly taller and possibly faster, Kandley Val and Mike Seldon have the height and size to battle with Horton, and freshman Ndubisi Ezeigwe is athletic enough to also settle Horton.

Containing Horton to limited touches or putting the elder Lancer into foul trouble early greatly helps the Pride on both ends of the court.

Freshman Tim Henault is the only other Lancer in double figures in scoring. Worcester State has experience at its guard positions as well as on its bench.

So you’re saying…

Statistically Worcester State is turning the ball over at +3.8 (18.8) more than Regis. However, the Lancers make up for its turnovers in rebounds (42.3).

Each statistic will be important for this game because the team that maintains possession controls more of its destiny. Regis must crash the boards to increase second chance scoring opportunities and limit Worcester States.

Outside of those two statistics Regis and the Lancers are comparable. Each team averages close to the same number of points, free throw attempts, and three-point attempts.

Regis College will host the Worcester State Lancers Dec. 5 at 7 PM in the Regis Athletic Arena (The Den). The first 25 fans wearing Regis College apparel will receive a “Ruckus Towel” to wave during the game.