Worcester, MA --- Clark senior Nicholas DaPrato (Marshfield, MA) erupted for a game-high 31 points as the Cougars held off a furious rally to earn a 63-58 win over Worcester State in non-conference men's basketball action this evening.

Worcester State (1-8) responded and went into the half down 12 at 32-20 after junior Charles Gunter (Boston, MA) found a cutting freshman Marquez McKreith-Collins (Springfield, MA) for a basket as time expired.

Less than eight minutes into the second half the Lancers trimmed the margin down to two at 41-39 during a 21-5 run that saw senior Dane Jobst (Athol, MA) score ten of his team-high 16 points.

The Lancers got as close as 43-42 on an aggressive Gunter finish inside with less than eight minutes to play. Clark answered with a short DaPrato jumper, a free throw from sophomore Corey Gomes (Uxbridge, MA) and a strong drive and finish from graduate student Marcus Armstrong (Malden, MA).

The Cougar advantage stood at 51-44 following a senior Andrew Musler (Belmont, MA) top of the key three-pointer, but the Lancers kept fighting and after a conventional three-point play by Gunter WSU was within two at 55-53 with 3:11 remaining.

Armstrong came up with a huge offensive rebound and the ball found its way to Musler, who fed DaPrato for an inside hoop.

Two free throws from freshman Lucas LaLima (Colts Neck, NJ) gave Clark some breathing room at 59-53 with 1:04 left, however, a hoop from Jobst and a triple from sophomore Manny Cabral (Roslindale, MA) closed the Lancers to within one at 59-58.

DaPrato though made four straight free throws to seal up the win for the hosts.

Clark held a 43-33 edge on the glass and a slight advantage on points in the paint (32-30). The Blue and Gold were able to convert the Cougars' 16 turnovers into 17 points.

In addition to Jobst's performance, the Lancers also got a career-best 14 points from Gunter while junior Brendan Rios (Easthampton, MA) had a solid all-around contest from 10 points, six boards and five helpers.

DaPrato shot 12-for-24 from the field, adding a team-high eight points and five steals for the Cougars. Musler chipped in with seven points and seven boards and LaLima handed out six assists and grabbed five boards.

Worcester State closes out their semester with a road trip to Springfield for a 7 PM game on Friday. Clark returns to action on Sunday, December 29 against Thomas at the Woodcliff & Spa Tournament in Pittsford, NY.

Major Portions of Release Courtesy of Clark University Sports Information