Men’s Hoop Drops Non-Conference Contest

WESTON, Mass. - Regis College lost to Worcester State University, 79-65, Wednesday night in a non-conference men's collegiate basketball game at Higgins Court.

Jamir Harvey (Robbins, Ill.) shot 8-for-16 from the field as he led Regis with 16 points, while Cameron Wilkins (Taunton, Mass.) hit 5-of-8 shots from the field as he finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Russell Rau (Fitchburg, Mass.) notched his second double-double in as many games with 11 points and 13 rebounds, and Justin Evelyn (Uniondale, N.Y.) contributed nine points.

Worcester State scored the first seven points of the game, including a three-pointer by Jaylen Kirkland, and the Lancers would lead the rest of the contest. The visitors extended their lead midway through the first half to 22-5 thanks to a 12-1 scoring run, capped by a layup from Ryan Rubenskas.

With the Lancers on top 32-13 after a three-pointer by Suubi Nkugwa, the Pride scored seven straight points on a three-pointer by Joshua Perez (Lynn, Mass.) and consecutive baskets from Wilkins. Regis closed to within eight points late in the first half before Aaron Nkrumah hit a three-pointer to give Worcester State a 39-28 lead heading into halftime.

After another Nkrumah three-pointer early in the second half, Regis scored six straight points, starting with consecutive layups by Harvey, to cut its deficit in half, but Nkrumah highlighted a 14-4 Lancer scoring run with two three-pointers. Worcester State continued to pull away, establishing its largest lead of the night at 77-50 on a three-pointer by Sam Dion before the Pride closed out the game with a 15-2 scoring stretch, capped by back-to-back three-pointers from Santiago Ariza (Miami, Fla.) and Dan Grasso (Norwood, Mass.).

Nkrumah shot 12-for-20 from the field, including 5-for-7 from behind the three-point line, to finish with 32 points along with seven rebounds and three steals. Brandon Goris hit all four of his field goal attempts, including two long distance baskets, as he collected 10 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

As a team, Worcester State shot 45.6 percent (31-for-68) from the field, including 12-for-22 from behind the three-point line, and 5-for-6 from the free throw line. On the other side, the Pride shot 41.5 percent (27-for-65) from the field, but just 5-for-20 from behind the three-point line and 6-for-10 from the free throw line.

Regis (2-6) hosts Saint Joseph's College Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 3 p.m. at Higgins Court. Worcester State (5-4) hosts Lasell University at the same time Saturday.