Worcester State University's first Midnight Madness basketball game

Basketball Season Kicks Off with Midnight Madness

November 17, 2016
By: Guest Contributor

More than 1,500 Worcester State fans filled the Wellness Center to standing room only during a raucous Midnight Madness basketball game, a heartbreaking 77-74 loss to the Clark University Cougars that was decided in final seconds.

The game, which ended in the wee hours of Tuesday, November 15, established a few firsts: The first Lancer basketball game on the John P. Brissette ’88 Competition Court in the new Wellness Center; the first NCAA Division 3 game of the 2016-2017 season; and the first Midnight Madness event held on the Worcester State campus.

November 15 is the first day that the NCAA permits collegiate basketball teams to compete in an intercollegiate basketball contest. Traditionally, Division I basketball programs host an open practice/pep rally at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the season. Last year, Clark hosted WSU in the first Midnight Madness game involving the two teams.

Students arrived starting at 10:30 p.m. for FanFest, a pre-game gathering in the multipurpose gym involving food from campus organizations and activities such as on obstacle course. Lancer fans also picked up a free t-shirt courtesy of the WSU Alumni Office.

The Worcester State Chorale (with help from fans) performed the national anthem; the WPI Pep Band provided in-game music; and the Dance Team entertained during halftime. Also during halftime, members of the 2016-17 WSU women’s basketball team were introduced and Worcester State student

Nick Alecon attempted a half-court shot for free college textbook rentals for an academic year.

Read more details about the game.

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