Box Score WORCESTER, MA. – The Williams College Ephs (1-0) opened their season on the road with a 79-60 victory over the Worcester St. Lancers (2-2). After a first half that featured several lead changes, the Ephs attacked the opening minutes of the second half to build a 20-point lead that would prove insurmountable. Senior
Spencer Spivy tallied 23 points on 9-16 shooting to propel the Ephs over a tenacious Worcester St. squad. Several first-year players saw substantial minutes for the Ephs in the win.
The Lancers one loss prior to tonight's contest came by just two points at the hands of WPI, who ranks #8 in the country, so the Ephs knew they were in for a fight.
"There's always a little bit of angst the first game with a new group," Eph head coach
Kevin App said after the game. "They've worked really hard in the offseason and in our preseason practices. Throughout it all, we stuck to what we wanted to do defensively. In our first game on the road, against a team I think is going to have a great season — I'm proud of them."
Declan Porter notched the first basket of the Ephs' season as he drove past his defender to lay it in.
Spencer Spivy was responsible for the next 8 Eph points, going back and forth with scores from the Lancers — notably, he took a steal coast-to-coast and hit a trey from the corner.
Brandon Arnold scored on his first possession in the game to put the Ephs up 14-12 with 12:29 remaining in the first half, but Worcester St. quickly evened the contest at 14.
As first years checked in in for their introductory minutes in the Williams uniform, Ben McGraw made his first attempt of his college career with a three-pointer from the wing. Next, Alex Lee showcased his athleticism as he beat his defender for a 19-16 Williams advantage with 9:39 to go in the half. Four minutes later, Hudson Hansen cashed in two baskets for a 25-22 Williams lead.
"I was just excited to go out there and play with my teammates," Hansen commented. "Everyone was supporting each other, and it was great way to start off the year."
"To see the [first-years] impacting games just like they've been impacting practices is all you can ask for as a coach," said App. "Every game they should get more comfortable."
As the intensity began to increase from both teams, Hansen registered a block on the defensive end and found Arnold for an assist. The teams went into the locker room with the Ephs holding a 29-24 edge. Spivy led all scorers with 10; Zion Hendrix had 8 for the Lancers. Williams shot 12-31 (39%), while Worcester St. went 11-29 (38%) from the field.
The Ephs came out of the break with renewed energy and focus, and a 5-point lead turned into 13 just minutes into the second half. Deep balls from Spivy and Porter highlighted the run and forced a Lancers timeout with 17:43 remaining. Additional three-pointers from Porter and
Nate Karren continued to build the Ephs' advantage, and a Spivy fast break put the visitors up 50-30 with 16:04 to play.
"It was just settling into the rhythm of competition against someone else," App said of the team's improved second half play. "We were playing a little slow in the halfcourt and transition, so we wanted to pick the pace up. The first rotation in the second half did a great job of playing confident and to their strengths."
Hansen shined on offense over the subsequent minutes along with the second unit. After a dunk that ignited the Williams fan section, the first year attracted the attention of the defense. Demonstrating patience, he assisted Arnold and Lee on consecutive possessions to build a 59-38 lead with 11:20 remaining.
"I think our connection will only continue to run deeper," Hansen said of the chemistry. "We're already a very tight-knit group of guys, so we'll just get better at the little things."
"If you had to give out MVP balls, Hudson Hansen and
Brandon Arnold would get them," App praised. "They brought the energy, made easy baskets, and defended at a high level."
Despite facing a significant deficit, the Lancers put up a valiant effort. While the Ephs responded to each spark of momentum from their opponents, Worcester St. was able to trim the lead to 13 with 3:30 left.
In addition to Spivy's 23 points, Hansen and Arnold contributed 12 and 10 off the bench, respectively.
Cole Prowitt-Smith grabbed a team high 8 rebounds, Karren each added 7.
"We just have to keep up our energy," Hansen said of the team moving forward. "More and more guys are getting involved, and we need that. It's going to be a fun year."
The Ephs play two games at home this weekend, as the team hosts the Williams Purple & Gold Classic. They face Clark Summit at 6 p.m. on Friday, before a matchup against SUNY Delhi Saturday at 3 p.m.
"It'll be great to be in Chandler this weekend," App affirmed. "If you watched the highlights and followed this game, hopefully it's a team you want to come watch in person this weekend."
