By Ty Foster
Assistant Sports Editor

The Rams conclude the 2011-12 season with a mark of 9-16 (3-9) after a win over conference opponent MCLA and a loss to Westfield State, who finished third in the MASCAC.

In a close contest against MCLA, which featured four ties and 10 lead changes, the Rams were able to finish with the last lead after MCLA missed a potential game tying three pointer as the time reached zero.

Framingham started the game with a 15-4 run. MCLA was able to trim the Rams lead to 10 points before sparking a 13-4 run of their own to trail by one at the half.

Forward Andre Santana, a freshman, led the game with 20 points. Two other Framingham starters Yemi Ajao and Rico DePaolis added 12 and 19 points, respectively.

The victory over MCLA was the first win of the season in which Framingham’s bench scored less than their opponents’.

The win is also FSU’s first win in the month of February.

Framingham was outscored 51-30 in the second half of their season finale against Westfield State after being tied 22 points apiece at half.

There were more rebounds between the two teams – 45 – than there were points – 44 – in the first half of play.

Guard Tyrone Figueroa, a sophomore, finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. Santana tied the game-high with 19 points. Forward Yemi Ajao, a sophomore, led the team with eight rebounds.

Framingham finishes the season last in the MASCAC, but with wins over the third, fourth and fifth place teams in the conference.

The most points the team scored was a 92-point effort versus Daniel Webster College in an overtime win. The least amount of points scored came in a 26- point rout by Trinity College, 64-38.

Figueroa finished with a team high in points (384), field goals (126), field goal attempts (264), free throws (110), free throw attempts (162), defensive rebounds (113), assists (82) and steals (51).

DePaolis led the team in all three pointer categories: field goals (43), attempts (103) and percentage (.417).

Santana tied Ajao with offensive rebounds (56), and led the team in total rebounds (150). Ajao led the team with blocks (22).

Guard Juan Lopez, a sophomore, led the team in free throw percentage (.762), and forward Allen St. Surin, a senior, led the team in field goal percentage (.544).

Framingham’s best shooting percentage (54.7) came against Daniel Webster in a win. The team had the most assists in a game against both Daniel Webster and Colby-Sawyer game (18).

The best free throw percentage (86.4) and blocks in a game (6) were in a win against Wheaton.

In a loss to Salem State in their second meeting, Framingham had its best three-point shooting night (62.5) and the fewest turnovers of the season (10).

The game with the most turnovers (28) also resulted in Framingham’s largest margin of defeat against Trinity College.

Framingham shot better from the charity stripe and hauled in more defensive rebounds on the road than at home.

The team of 15 featured only one senior and two juniors.

Jamie Henderson, one of the team’s five sophomores, said, “Because we are young, we knew we were going to make mistakes and we just had faith in each other.”

Figueroa said the team’s chemistry grew as the season progressed and the team as a whole began to play better basketball.

“It’s a shame we couldn’t pull out a win and keep our season going because I know we would have won games in the tournament,” Figueroa said. “We kept a close relationship because we all wanted to win,” he added

Figueroa said closing out games would be easierwere the team not in deep holes early on.

DePaolis, the only player to start in every game this season, said the bond the team had on and off the court resulted in the players having each other’s backs at all times.

The last time Framingham only managed three wins in the conference was during the 2005-06 season.

This is the team’s second consecutive season finishing under .500.

Figueroa, one of the team’s three captains, stressed hard work as a key for the team improving.

“As a team I hope that everyone takes from this season the hard work and dedication it takes to be a successful college player and team. You should never get worse no matter what you’re doing. If you want something and you want to succeed in things not only on the court but in life, you have to get better. You have to put in the time and effort to succeed.”

DePaolis added, “Talent can only take you so far, and there’s always someone more talented, but you can always work harder than the next guy.”

DePaolis, another team captain, said, “I think at some points, we weren’t the most talented team, but one thing you can’t take away from any of us is how hard we worked every day.”

DePaolis lamented the team losing its lone senior, St. Surin. “[He’s] got so much heart and passion for the game, but there isn’t a player that has more fun than him. He’s a perfect teammate, and he’s brought us all plenty of memories.”

St. Surin ended his last game in a Ram uniform with a rebound and a steal in 10 minutes of play in the loss to Westfield State.

Henderson, along with Figueroa and DePaolis, are already preparing for next season.

Henderson, who is still getting back into shape after missing a year and a half, said, “My offseason starts tomorrow. I plan to be a totally different player. I refuse to finish last place next year and I plan on being a force in our conference next season.”

Figueroa said, “We just need to get into the gym. We need to lift, get shots up and get better. And most of all, people need to stay eligible so we can keep this chemistry.”

DePaolis said, “From my personal perspective, there will not be many kids in this league or at this level that will work harder than me this offseason, that’s a fact.”

The junior added, “And I hope [my teammates] feel the same, I think they do.”