Box Score WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – The Williams College men's basketball team opened the new year with an 86–73 victory over Worcester State on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Ephs improved to 9–2 on the season.
Williams took a 42–38 lead into halftime and extended its advantage in the second half, outscoring the Lancers 44–35 over the final 20 minutes to pull away. The Ephs showcased a balanced offensive effort, with 10 different players finding their way into the scoring column.
Aidan Yates led the way with a career-high 24 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, while also grabbing eight rebounds.
Jackson Rein followed with 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting, knocking down three three-pointers.
Williams' depth was on full display throughout the afternoon, as
Dylan Shepherd scored 10 points off the bench,
Matt DeVine added eight, and
Sammy Cooley chipped in seven.
Justin Belcher provided a steady presence at the point, finishing with four points, five rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists.
As a team, the Ephs shot 55.6% from the field, went 9-for-22 from beyond the arc, and totaled 33 bench points. Williams also thrived in transition, scoring 17 fast-break points and converting Worcester State turnovers into 17 points.
For Worcester State, Joe Okla led all scorers with 14 points, while Dajon Burton added 13 and Johnny Annan chipped in 12.
The Ephs return to action on Monday, January 5, when they travel to Springfield College for a 5 p.m. tipoff.
