Box Score
BOSTON, Mass. – Despite leading by nine points at the halftime break, men's basketball was unable to hold on as they dropped their first game of the season to Eastern Nazarene College by the final of 74-66 in the championship game of the 30th Annual Harbor Invitational Saturday afternoon in the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium.
The Beacons, who were more than consistent in the opening half, went ice cold offensively in the second as they were only able to scrape together 24 points. With the loss UMass now stands at 5-1, while Eastern Nazarene improves to 7-0 overall.
Tournament MVP, Jaylen Owens carried the Lions to the championship with his 24 points, six boards, and five assists. All-Tournament selection, Justin Wagner also made a huge impact in the contest, as he finished with 19 points and five boards.
For the Beacons, All-Tournament honorees Carl Joseph (Brockton, Mass.) and Gregory Young (Dorchester, Mass.) combined for 23 points respectively. Off the bench, Karl Agenor (Dorchester, Mass.) grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds, while also finishing with 12 points. Ten of his 12 came in the first 15 minutes of the opening half, as the junior recorded his second double-double of the tournament.
After a strong offensive showing in the first half, in which the Beacons shot 48.6% from the field, UMass was unable to get anything going in the second. Eastern Nazarene erupted offensively as they shot 54.5% from the field, and nearly doubled-up the Beacons in second half points (41-24).
The Beacons lead changed hands less than five minutes into the second half, as the Lions came out roaring. Wagner and Alex Jarman were spark plugs for Eastern Nazarene in the opening minutes. Eddie Ramirez pushed Eastern Nazarene out in front on a pair of made free throws to make it 48-47 Lions.
From there, Eastern Nazarene never looked back as they clawed their way to as much as an 11-point lead with less than three minutes to play. UMass tried to mount the last minute comeback, but the Lions answered right back on every possession.
The Beacons return to action on Tuesday when they travel to MIT for a 7 p.m. non-conference game.
