BOSTON, Mass. – Five players finished in double-figures as men's basketball earned a 89-82 Little East Conference Tournament Quarterfinal win over Rhode Island College Tuesday evening in Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium.

THE BASICS

#4 UMass Boston 89, #5 Rhode Island College 82

UMass Boston (16-10)
Rhode Island College (16-10)

HOW IT HAPPENED

Led by Mark Munroe (Quincy, Mass.) who had a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds, the Beacons will now face the top-seeded Colonials of Western Connecticut State University on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the semi-final round of the LEC Tournament.

Fifteen of Munroe's points came in the second half, as the Beacons made a late push to down the Anchormen in front of packed gym.  UMB also shot an impressive 56.7% from the field and 50.0% from 3-point range. 

Michael Boyd (Malden, Mass.) continued his climb in the all-time assists category as the junior handed out 13 helpers to go along with 13 points in another huge night for the guard.  Dasan Cinelli (Boston, Mass.) added 18 points, while hot shooting Charles Mitchell (Boston, Mass.) drained five 3-pointers to finish with 15 points. 

Sophomore forward Malik Lorquet (Sharon, Mass.) gave the Beacons a strong 20 minutes in which he finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and four blocked shots. 

For the Anchormen Keyshaun Jacobs and Shion Darby each finished with 26 points.  Senior Benjamin Vezele recorded his 1,0000^th career point in his final game at RIC.  He posted 16 points and 15 rebounds, while also tallying three blocked shots and three steals. 

The two teams exchanged baskets throughout the contest and closed out the first half tied at 44-44.  After the break, the Anchormen held a slim advantage over the Beacons.  UMB continued to match their rivals, but with just over seven minutes to play, the Beacons erupted for their biggest run of the night (9-0).  That push would give the Beacons a three possession lead which they would hold onto over the final five minutes to clinch the huge victory.

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Beacons combined for 26 points in the paint in the second half and 46 in the contest
• RIC held a 50-42 advantage on the glass
• UMass Boston combined for 22 points and seven blocked shots
• On the night the Beacons shot 53.1% (34-64) from the field and 47.6% (10-21) from 3-point range
• Boyd now sits 11 assists away from tying the single season record of 190 set by Joe Smoot in 1984-85 season
• All-time the Beacons are now 35-42 against Rhode Island College
• The Beacons are now 3-0 all-time against the Anchormen in tournament play, 2-0 in quarterfinal games
• UMass Boston will be making their fourth semi-final appearance in the last five seasons, all under head coach Jason Harris

WHO'S NEXT

The Beacons will travel to Western Connecticut State University on Thursday for a 6 p.m. semi-final game.