Box Score GORHAM, Maine – Despite a game-high 24 points and 20 rebounds from Dan Powers (Westwood, Mass.) men's basketball was handed their second straight Little East Conference loss as they dropped an 82-78 decision to the University of Southern Maine, Wednesday evening at Fifield Court at Hill Gymnasium.
THE BASICS
UMass Boston 78, University of Southern Maine 82
UMass Boston (10-6, 3-3 Little East Conference)
Southern Maine (6-10, 1-5 Little East Conference)
HOW IT HAPPENED
Trailing by as much as eight points (77-69) with just over two minutes remaining the Beacons quickly cut the deficit to one thanks to five points from Iser Barnes (Boston, Mass.) and two points from Ty Lee (Boston, Mass.). Southern Maine would make it 78-76 with a free throw by Zach Leal.
On their next possession, Barnes would tie the game at 78-78 on a huge lay-up with 44 seconds left on the clock. The Huskies would regain the lead with a jumper by Jacob Littlefield to make it 80-78. The Beacons last chance to even the score was just missed with the Huskies collecting the defensive rebound. They would then seal the victory at the free throw line to secure their first conference win of the year.
Despite not having a win in conference play, the Huskies managed to hold-off the Beacons throughout Wednesday's contest. Neither team shot extremely well in the first half, as the Huskies went into the break leading 37-36.
In the second half Barnes and Powers carried UMass Boston as they combined for22 of the team's 42 points respectively. Three of the Huskies starting five did a majority of the work over the final 20 minutes with James Starks III leading the half with 13 points.
On the glass, Powers grabbed 12 of his career-high 20 rebounds, with four of them coming on the offensive glass. The Beacons held a 47-44 advantage in rebounds, with Starks leading USM with 12 boards.
BY THE NUMBERS
- The double-double marked the second straight for Powers
- From the field Powers shot 8-for-18 from the field, 3-for-4 from 3-point range, and 5-for-6 from the free throw line; He also had nine offensive rebounds and 11 defensive rebounds
- All-time Wednesday's contest marked the 70th meeting between UMass Boston and Southern Maine
- Barnes finished the game with 16 points, while Sam Freeman (Boston, Mass.) finished with 11 points
WHO'S NEXT
The Beacons will host Western Connecticut State University on Saturday at 3 p.m.
